Throughout October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the City of Alexandria is reminding the community of ways to recognize and prevent domestic violence and where to find helpful resources.
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 quiz 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 English and Spanish construction 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.) in purple, the national color for domestic violence awareness.
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 sk
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