October Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Published on October 15, 2018

The press release has been updated to reflect additional information on services provided by Doorways for Woman and Families.

ARLINGTON, Va. — October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Arlington County Police Department has again partnered with Doorways for Women and Families, our community advocate, to raise public awareness and share the resources available in our community.

During the month of October, a purple and teal ribbon donated by Doorways is being displayed on many Arlington County Police Department vehicles in support of the efforts to reduce the incidence and severity of domestic violence in our community. Each ribbon includes information on the 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline, 703-237-0881, which provides the public with free and confidential support.

"The purple and teal ribbons serve as an outward expression of the Arlington County Police Department's commitment to investigate reports of domestic violence and provide services and support to all victims and survivors through our partnerships with safety net programs. These collaborative prevention and response efforts are ways Arlington County is proactively working to reduce incidences of domestic violence," comments M. Jay Farr, Chief of Police.

In 2017, officers with the Arlington County Police Department made 197 arrests for domestic assault. According to Doorways' for Women and Families, last year the 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline responded to 1,818 calls, impacting 3,116 adults and children, a 24 percent increase over the previous year. Their new Revive Domestic & Sexual Violence Program served 407 adults, teens and children, and Doorways' specially trained advocates offered hospital accompaniment to 58 survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence to pursue a forensic exam.

"Each year, we continue to receive more requests for our services than the year before," says Caroline Jones, Doorways President and CEO. "With our mission in such a national spotlight, survivors are recognizing their trauma and the impact it has had—and is still having—on their lives. They are feeling validated and empowered to come forward to share their stories, many for the very first time. We are grateful to be able to provide this safe space, and we're proud to be part of a community that works together to support survivors as they move forward in their lives."

Awareness is a critical component of prevention. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the public can participate in community events and help bring attention to this worthy cause. One simple way to participate is to wear purple in support of survivors on Purple Thursday - October 18, 2018.

If you or someone you know needs help, resources are available.

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