[Archived] City of Alexandria Raises Awareness During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

For Immediate Release: October 8, 2021

During the month of October, the City of Alexandria is reminding the community of ways to recognize domestic violence and where to find helpful resources, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

Domestic violence is an instance or pattern of abusive or coercive behaviors that may include threats, harassment, controlling of resources, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse, physical assault or other actions. An individual who exhibits these behaviors and actions does so to exert power or control over another in various contexts. These contexts can be with a current or former spouse or partner; parent, stepparent or other relative; in relationships, such as dating between teen or adult couples who do not live together; and between persons of any gender. 

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women in the U.S. experience violence by a partner at some point in their life. In particular, teen domestic violence is on the rise. An online assessment is available to determine if you or someone you know might be a victim.

The Domestic Violence Program is raising awareness about the City’s Domestic Violence Hotline via road signs; beverage sleeves at local coffee shops; resource distribution to high school students; and the spotlighting of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial (101 Callahan Dr.) and the Alexandria Police Department Headquarters (3600 Wheeler Ave.) in purple, which is the national color for domestic violence awareness. Outreach is especially important during the pandemic because survivors are more isolated and closely monitored by their abusers. Survivors have also been less likely to seek help or leave their respective homes, due to concerns about COVID-19 or the belief that services may not be available. 

Services that are accessible using the Domestic Violence Hotline include a Safe House shelter; counseling; confidential support groups; and legal help, including court accompaniment and assistance with protective orders. All services continue to operate throughout the pandemic.

Visit alexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence for more information. If you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence, call 703.746.4911 to speak with skilled staff about services that are available. If someone is in immediate danger, always call or text 911.