Domestic Violence Resources Available as Survivor Needs Change

Report: Domestic Violence Resources and Support

Domestic violence is a prevalent issue in our community, occurring on a daily basis. However, there are resources available year-round to assist those in need. The Department of Family Services’ Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) provides compassionate and comprehensive state-accredited programs for individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking.

Help is Always a Phone Call Away

If you are in immediate danger, call or text 911.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273. Hotline Advocates are available to provide support in over 140 languages. These services are inclusive and provided to all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity.

The trained advocates at DSVS understand the complexities involved with domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. The services offered include crisis support, information and referral, options counseling, and safety planning.

Recent Trends

Recent trends indicate a rise in more severe cases of interpersonal violence, such as those involving strangulation and weapons. There has also been an increase in calls for various forms of support, particularly since the cessation of COVID-19 pandemic funds.

“When pandemic relief funding ended, we noticed an increase in calls from people with multiple needs,” says Andrea Nunes-Gardner, program manager of Crisis Response Services in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. “People aren’t calling with just one need; they are seeking shelter and counseling, as well as resources for food, rent, and basic necessities like diapers and formula. Some individuals also require legal and immigration assistance, along with support during a divorce.”

Regardless of trends, it is important to acknowledge that intimate partner violence occurs regardless of external circumstances. DSVS remains committed to providing assistance.

“We are available 24/7,” assures Nunes-Gardner. “Feel free to reach out to us anytime, day or night, on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. We offer customer-driven services, crisis support, information, safety planning, and referrals to victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking, as well as their families and friends.”

10 More Domestic Violence Resources

DSVS offers a wide range of resources and support for individuals affected by gender-based violence:

1. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services: Provides compassionate and comprehensive state-accredited programs for women, men, teens, and children impacted by domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking.
2. Domestic Violence Action Center: Offers culturally responsive information and support services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human sex trafficking, along with their families. The center also focuses on holding individuals accountable for their actions through specialized prosecution and supervision.
3. Advocacy Services: Enhances client safety by providing knowledge and understanding of available resources and options, ensuring clients can access appropriate support.
4. Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment: A state-certified domestic violence intervention program that utilizes a compassionate approach to teach emotional regulation skills to adult residents of Fairfax County over an 18-week period.
5. Counseling Services: Offers short-term services to victims and family members who have experienced domestic or sexual violence, stalking, teen dating violence, or human trafficking.
6. Housing and Economic Support: Provides information to help survivors understand housing options, budgeting, and credit repair.
7. Hospital Accompaniment: Offers advocates who provide emotional support and information about options to victims seeking medical attention after a domestic or sexual violence incident.
8. Safety Planning: Involves thinking ahead and taking actions to increase personal safety and the safety of loved ones, whether a victim decides to stay in or leave an abusive relationship.
9. Shelter Options: Provides temporary safe housing for victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. This allows victims to secure their environment while they plan their next steps and make longer-term living arrangements as they recover from trauma.
10. PetHaven Program: Offers short-term temporary care for pets whose owners need to escape from a dangerous situation. The Animal Shelter provides a safe place for pets without requiring advance notice or asking questions, ensuring the safety of both residents and their pets.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Addressed:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Targets Identified:

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
2. Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
3. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

Indicators:

• Number of calls received by the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline
• Number of cases involving severe forms of interpersonal violence (e.g., strangulation and weapons)
• Number of requests for support related to basic needs (e.g., food, rent, diapers, formula)
• Number of requests for legal and immigration assistance
• Number of victims provided with crisis support, information, safety planning, and referrals

Analysis:

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). These SDGs address the issues of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking, which are the focus of the article.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
2. Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
3. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are several indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:

• Number of calls received by the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: This indicator reflects the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence and can help measure progress towards Target 5.2.
• Number of cases involving severe forms of interpersonal violence (e.g., strangulation and weapons): This indicator provides insight into the severity of violence and can help measure progress towards Target 16.1.
• Number of requests for support related to basic needs (e.g., food, rent, diapers, formula): This indicator reflects the impact of violence on victims’ basic needs and can help measure progress towards Target 10.2.
• Number of requests for legal and immigration assistance: This indicator reflects the need for legal and immigration support among victims and can help measure progress towards Target 10.2.
• Number of victims provided with crisis support, information, safety planning, and referrals: This indicator reflects the provision of comprehensive services to victims and can help measure progress towards Targets 5.2 and 16.1.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: fairfaxcounty.gov

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