k.lee editorial consultants

22/08/2024

16/08/2024

new episode! unscripted: conversations about sexual and domestic violence—everything is prevention Fairfax County Department of Family Services

We can’t identify and dismantle the root causes of interpersonal violence without prevention. But what is prevention anyway? And why is it a crucial component of the work Domestic and Sexual Violence Services does to fulfill their mission of forever ending interpersonal violence?

On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee sits down with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Division Director Toni Zollicoffer; Assistant Division Director Keesha Coke; and Prevention, Education, and Coordination Program Manager Stacy Ziebell to talk about prevention and how it’s critical to the work of ending interpersonal violence: https://bit.ly/3X4da2E.

Learn more about the support and resources Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides by visiting http://bit.ly/DFS-DSVS or calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

10/08/2024

counseling domestic and sexual violence services Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Counseling helps people feel stronger, safer, less afraid and more hopeful. But seeking help takes effort and courage. That is why we make it easy for you to access services. Our counselors speak English and Spanish, and we use interpreters for other languages, including American Sign Language. We also offer a teletherapy option. Learn more about teletherapy at https://bit.ly/DFS-DSVSteletherapy.

Get more information about Counseling Services in the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division by visiting https://bit.ly/412lRt2 or calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

03/08/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Women in Fairfax County are more likely than men to be out of the labor force, except for Black women, who have 81% labor force participation.

Learn more key takeaways from the “Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County” report: https://bit.ly/3w7y06g.

01/08/2024

unscripted: conversations about sexual and domestic violence, season 2! this episode: digital safety for youth Fairfax County Department of Family Services

📱 Technology is a wonder, but it can also be scary, especially if bad players use it to stalk or extort someone. Navigating this online world can be tricky for any of us, but young people, especially, might need extra guidance.

On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee sits down with Debra Miller, youth education and outreach specialist, and Nora Nieto, youth prevention specialist, both with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, and Adam Dodge of EndTAB (End Technology-Enabled Abuse), about ways to help youth stay safe online: https://bit.ly/3ykESig.

Learn more about the support and resources Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides by visiting http://bit.ly/DFS-DSVS or calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

31/07/2024

is a serious crime everywhere in the u.s. Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Did you know: Despite how common stalking is in this country, most folks have no idea how to describe it. Stalking is repeated and unwanted contact that makes you feel afraid or harassed. It is serious, often violent, and can escalate over time. And it is a crime in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

If you suspect you’re being stalked and need support, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273. Learn more facts about stalking: https://bit.ly/3OB38iv.

28/07/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Businesses can play a crucial role in supporting women and mothers. Examples of policies include work from home, flexible work arrangements, onsite childcare, and extended flexibility to work from home after maternity leave ends.

Learn more key takeaways from the “Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County” report: https://bit.ly/3w7y06g.

20/07/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Did you know: There are roughly two pediatricians available per 1,000 children 16 years of age or younger in Fairfax County. Availability for pediatric care is better in the eastern part of the county, but western and southern Fairfax County residents—Sully, Springfield, Mount Vernon, and Dranesville districts--don’t fare as well.

Learn more key takeaways from the “Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County” report: https://bit.ly/3w7y06g.

19/07/2024

word nerds strike again!

14/07/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Many women in Fairfax County struggle to find that elusive work-life balance. In fact, nearly 9% of women in the county report working more than 50 hours per week, with this figure closer to 10% in the Hunter Mill and Dranesville districts. But logging this many hours at the job each week is associated with poor health outcomes, including those associated with poor sleep.

Learn more key takeaways from the “Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County” report: https://bit.ly/3w7y06g.

13/07/2024

fortunately, when someone in fairfax county (va) has been impacted by interpersonal violence, they can call the domestic and sexual violence 24-hour hotline: 703-360-7273. Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Did You Know: Every day, more than 20,000 calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines in the U.S.

Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline by visiting https://bit.ly/DFS-DSVS-Hotline or calling 703-360-7273.

08/07/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is here for you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call us on the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-760-7273. Can’t call safely? Text LOVEIS to 22522 to connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Everyone deserves a life free from violence.

06/07/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Women are more likely to be below the poverty line than men in Fairfax County, with 6.32% of women (ages 18 and over) living in poverty (that number for men is 4.60%). Black, Hispanic, and women of other races have a higher poverty percentage in most districts.

Learn more key takeaways from the “Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County” report: https://bit.ly/3w7y06g.

06/07/2024

a primer on the correct use of y’all

A few years back at Christmastime in Chicago, I wandered cold and sleepy into a store across from Wrigley Field. I’d been away from home too long, I needed comfort and I hadn’t found a …

06/07/2024

new episode: unscripted: conversations about sexual and domestic violence—modern-day dating, part 2. being vulnerable. having difficult conversations. dating with kids. Fairfax County Department of Family Services

👫 Modern-day dating, part 2: Who establishes boundaries when you're dating with children? What are the rules for dating someone from a different religion or culture? How do you have difficult conversations with a new dating partner?

On this episode of Unscripted, Kendra Lee sits down with Dr. Kelly Jackson, Quality Assurance Clinical Supervisor; Jennifer Perkins, ADAPT Supervisor; and Tanisha Cox, Volunteer Manager; all with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, to further our discussion about dating in the modern era: https://bit.ly/3zu3t4o.

Learn more about the support and resources Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides by visiting http://bit.ly/DFS-DSVS or calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

29/06/2024

With Fairfax County Department of Family Services – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 3 months in a row. 🎉

29/06/2024

housing solutions for domestic violence survivors Fairfax County Department of Family Services

What We’re Listening to Right Now: Finding Housing Solutions for Homelessness and Domestic Violence

On a recent episode of the Connect with County Leaders podcast, host Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill talked with Joe Meyer, executive director and CEO of Shelter House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness and domestic violence in the region. The conversation focused on challenges faced by organizations like Shelter House in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing efforts to provide sustainable housing solutions for vulnerable populations: https://bit.ly/3VLtYts.

Find out more about housing and economic support for survivors of interpersonal violence by visiting https://bit.ly/DSVS-Housing or calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

29/06/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

In community conversations with women in Fairfax County, many participants expressed mental health concerns, including isolation and feelings of depression.

Learn more key takeaways from the “Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County” report: https://bit.ly/3w7y06g.

23/06/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Did you know: Volunteering was one of the most frequent evening and weekend activities for many women. They described their desire to give back to the community, especially when they once received aid.

Learn more key takeaways from the “Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County” report: https://bit.ly/3w7y06g.

22/06/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

What We’re Reading Right Now: Supreme Court upholds federal ban on guns for domestic abusers

In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court says: When an individual has been found to pose a credible threat to the physical safety of another person, the Second Amendment allows that person to be temporarily disarmed. Read more about today’s decision: https://www.npr.org/2024/05/23/1252764853/supreme-court-guns

Did you know: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services recognizes gun violence impacts all segments of our society and supports policies to remove fi****ms from potentially deadly situations. Find out more about fi****ms surrender in Fairfax County by visiting https://bit.ly/3NN88jD or calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

20/06/2024

new episode!!! unscripted: conversations about sexual and domestic violence—baby reindeer and toxic relationships Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Since its release earlier this spring, Netflix’s Baby Reindeer has sparked much conversation. The series, based on Scottish comedian Richard Gadd's real-life experience with a stalker, has been widely praised for its delicate approach to mental health, stalking, and, to a lesser extent, sexual assault.

On this episode of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee talks with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Kathryn Harlow, domestic and sexual violence counselor; Kendal Cristaudo, hospital accompaniment specialist; and Dr. Kelly Jackson, Quality Assurance clinical supervisor; about Baby Reindeer’s impact on discussions about interpersonal violence among men and toxic relationships—and what’s missing from the conversations about the series: https://bit.ly/4c8ROpZ

Learn more about the support and resources Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides by visiting http://bit.ly/DFS-DSVS or calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

20/06/2024

word nerds unite!

15/06/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Fairfax County has high occupational segregation between men and women. For example, 67% of office and administrative support positions and 74% of educational instruction and library jobs are held by women, while they hold only 29% of computer and mathematical operations.

Learn more key takeaways from the “Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County” report: https://bit.ly/3w7y06g.

15/06/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Did You Know? As temperatures grow warmer, there’s an increase in sexual assaults. In fact, a growing body of research suggests hotter weather gives rise to an increase in some forms of violent crime, including murder and sexual offenses.

Learn more about sexual violence https://bit.ly/DFS-DSVS-SV in Fairfax County or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

08/06/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Roughly 9% of women between the ages of 18 to 64 in Fairfax County don’t have health insurance. This percentage might seem small but young adult women have higher health care costs than men the same age, largely due to recommendations for annual check-ups at earlier ages, the regular frequency of gynecological exams, and the effects of menopause.

Learn more key takeaways from the “Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County” report: https://bit.ly/3w7y06g.

07/06/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

The Department of Family Services Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division supports policies to remove fi****ms from potentially deadly situations. It’s the law: Gun owners in Virginia who have been served a final protective order must surrender their fi****ms. (We encourage taking it to the Sheriff’s office 703-246-4405). By doing so, victims, their families, and our communities are safer. To learn more about the intersection of guns and domestic violence, visit Domestic and Sexual Violence Services http://bit.ly/DFS-DSVS or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

For more information about Fairfax County’s resources to prevent gun violence, https://bit.ly/3N3nroD.

06/06/2024

new episode!! unscripted: conversations about sexual and domestic violence—alcohol and domestic violence Fairfax County Department of Family Services

⚠️New Unscripted episode alert: Popular belief is that alcohol is a cause of domestic violence; if someone has been drinking and abuses a romantic partner, the booze made them do it. The truth is that alcohol and alcoholism are never the sole trigger for or justification of intimate partner violence. While alcohol can be a compounding factor--affecting a person’s judgment--a partner’s actions while under the influence are still a reflection of that partner’s personality. If they are violent when drunk, it’s likely only a matter of time until they’re abusive while sober, too.

On this edition of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee talks with Jennifer Perkins, ADAPT supervisor in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services; and Audrey Arnold, behavioral health specialist with the Community Services Board and a long-time volunteer with DSVS’ ADAPT program; about alcohol and domestic violence: https://bit.ly/4aVuPxc.

Learn more about the support and resources Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides by visiting http://bit.ly/DFS-DSVS or calling the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

02/06/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

🏳️‍🌈 June is Pride Month. LGBTQIA+ communities face significant barriers to accessing support when experiencing violence. Discrimination in housing and employment, high rates of homelessness, and isolation from community based on one’s identity can prevent those experiencing domestic violence from accessing support services. Additionally, many victim services programs address the needs of cisgender women without meaningfully accommodating survivors of other gender identities or sexualities. Current and historical activists have worked hard to address these barriers. Find out how: https://bit.ly/3wVMjaZ.

Learn more about the intersection of gender-based violence and the LGBTQIA+ communities by calling the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.

01/06/2024

Fairfax County Department of Family Services

It’s a good news-less good news situation: We’ve made progress on closing the wage gap between men and women in Fairfax County, but women still earn less. Evidence suggests this difference persists even when adjusting for occupation. In Fairfax, wages are lower overall in the Mason, Franconia, Braddock, Sully, and Springfield districts.

Learn more key takeaways from the “Gains, Gaps, & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County” report: https://bit.ly/3w7y06g.