DCHS Empowers Survivors and Raises Awareness of Domestic Violence

Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) offers a focused period for communities to shine light on the issue of intimate partner violence, uplift survivors, and to galvanize action toward prevention.
Page updated on October 9, 2025 at 11:35 AM
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Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) offers a focused period for communities to shine light on the issue of intimate partner violence, uplift survivors, and to galvanize action toward prevention. In Alexandria, the Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) plays a central role in raising awareness by empowering survivors, coordinating resources and partnering with community stakeholders.

Why Awareness is Imperative

Domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) is not limited to physical acts of aggression. It can include emotional, psychological, financial, sexual or technological abuse. In Alexandria, the Domestic Violence Program (DVP) provides support for survivors and works to educate the public about warning signs, resources, and prevention. 

DVP serves survivors of intimate partner violence, dating violence, stalking, and supports family members and friends who are impacted. Services are offered without discrimination by gender, age, race, ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical ability. 

DCHS & DVP: How They are Helping Survivors

Key Services:

  • 24/7 Crisis Line: Survivors or concerned individuals can call 703.746.4911 (TTY 703.746.3288) for immediate support and guidance.
  • Advocacy & Safety Planning: Trained advocates support survivors in safety planning, risk assessment, and navigating the judicial system (e.g. protective orders).
  • Support Groups: Confidential weekly support groups for survivors (women and men) and parallel groups for children. Meeting location is kept confidential.
  • Children’s Services: Short-term individual counseling for children living in abusive homes, and support groups to help them process trauma.
  • Counseling & Referrals: Assistance in connecting survivors to mental health, housing, legal, and other relevant services.
  • Community Education & Training: Presentations for schools, organizations, and public awareness campaigns to teach recognition of warning signs and promote prevention.
  • Coordination with Domestic Violence Intervention Project: DVIP is a multi-agency effort that coordinates arrest, prosecution, victim advocacy, treatment, education, and training in Alexandria.

 

Because DCHS also provides public benefits, housing, child welfare, mental health, and other services, survivors can access multiple supports through a unified network of services.

 

How DCHS Amplifies DVAM During October

Domestic Violence Awareness Month, DCHS and the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program mobilize various strategies to engage the community, bolster visibility, and reduce stigma.

  • Public Messaging and Outreach: Distributing Flyers and resources in multiple languages (e.g. English, Spanish, Arabic, Amharic) to inform residents of warning signs and how to seek help.
  • Candlelight Vigils and Memorials: Events to honor victims of domestic violence and provide community space for reflection and solidarity (when public health considerations allow.)
  • Collaborative Campaigns with Partners: Working with Alexandria City Public Schools, law enforcement, health systems (e.g. Inova), courts, housing services, and nonprofit agencies to coordinate messaging, referrals, and education.

Voices of Empowerment & Healing

While many stories of domestic violence remain untold, initiatives under DVAM seek to shift narratives: from silence, blame, and fear, toward healing, resilience, and systemic accountability. DCHS emphasizes:

  • Survivor agency: honoring survivors’ voices in decisions, respecting their autonomy, and offering choices rather than mandates.
  • Trauma-informed care: ensuring support services understand the impacts of trauma and avoid re-traumatization.
  • Equity and inclusion: recognizing that marginalized communities (by race, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, etc.) may face unique barriers and discrimination in accessing support.
  • Prevention through education: reaching young people, families, workplaces, and community groups

Through outreach, direct services, coordination, and advocacy, DCHS strives not to just respond to harm, but to build a safer, more equitable community.

 

How You, the Community, Can Support the Effort

  • Learn the warning signs. Pay attention to early signs and recognize behaviors that align with emotional, financial, physical abuse or controlling behavior and stalking.
  • Share Information. Distribute flyers, post hotline details, and talk openly in your networks to reduce stigma.
  • Get trained. Request presentations or workshops from the Domestic Violence Protection program for your organization or school. Do your research and gather insights from credible sites and sources.
  • Donate or contribute. Provide financial, in-kind, or volunteer support for safe housing, legal services, or survivor support programs.
  • Advocate for policy change. Engage with local or state leaders to strengthen protections for survivors, fund services, and address systemic inequities.

Resources from DCHS & Alexandria You Can Access and Share

Hotlines & Crisis Contacts

Key DCHS / Alexandria Domestic Violence Resources & Publications