All posts by Linley Beckbridge

Arlington Magazine Test of Time Profile

Uncategorized

As Doorways marks its 45th anniversary, expanding safehousing is a top priority

“Forty-five years ago, a group of Arlington community members came together to solve a critical problem: when a neighbor was in crisis, they had no place to go. Together, they created Arlington’s first safehousing solution.

The Arlington Community Temporary Shelter (TACTS), as it was called, was and remains Arlington’s only domestic violence safehouse. What began as TACTS—one shelter, a single response—is now Doorways, an entire spectrum of trauma-informed programs, including community-based support, shelters, supportive housing and client services.”

Read more in Arlington Magazine’s March-April 2023 issue.

Doorways Named 2023 Community Partner of the Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc.

Press Release, Uncategorized

The Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc. proudly recognized Doorways as a 2023 Community Partner grant recipient! See the complete list of 2023 Community Partner grant recipient here.

“We are so proud of the tremendous work you are doing in our community and it is an honor to partner with you,” wrote Lavern Chatman, Chair, Corporate/Community Partnerships of The Arlington Chapter. “We look forward to working with you to deliver transformational programs in our community.”

The Arlington Chapter supports other non-profit organizations in the community through grants. Established in the 1980’s,  the Annual Community Partnership Grant Program opened an avenue to invite small grant applications from non-profit community partners that would help expand the chapter’s program focus and outreach to make a difference in the communities.  Each year the Arlington (VA) Chapter awards grants to small 501c3 organizations, that provide transitional housing, quality educational programs to children, youth and family economic empowerment focusing.

Doorways thanks the Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc. for their steadfast partnership and support!

Be an Askable Adult, with Ashley Blowe, Siobhan Grayson & Scotney Young

Education, Prevention and Outreach

“There’s this fear — this misunderstanding — that youth should be seen and not heard, and that’s just not a thing anymore.” –Siobhan Grayson

What makes someone “askable”?

Arlington, Virginia has launched an “Askable Adult” program to build adults’ capacity to be nonjudgmental and approachable resources and supports for youth in the county. Program proponents believe that everyone has a role to play in supporting the health and well-being of children and youth in the community.

And on their short list of key skills that make adults more askable? Be a curious co-pilot.

To help us learn what it means to be an Askable Adult, the Choose to Be Curious podcast welcomed three dynamic and devoted Arlington community builders: Ashley Blowe, Training and Prevention Specialist, Department of Human Services; Siobhan Grayson, Youth Outreach Coordinator for the Prevention Unit under the Department of Human Services; and Scotney Young, Prevention and Outreach Manager at Doorways, a domestic and sexual violence response organization.

Statement in Support of LGBTQIA+ Youth

Statement

Amidst ongoing attacks against trans and queer youth across our state, and against LGBTQIA+ groups and service providers in our region, Doorways reaffirms our support for all LGBTQIA+ people. We are honored to serve LGBTQIA+ youth and adults who access our services.

In our efforts to prevent violence and create pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault, leading to safe, stable, and empowered lives, it is critical that Doorways be a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth and adults. Safe spaces save lives: LGBTQIA+ youth are particularly vulnerable to violence, housing instability, and homelessness, comprising 40% of young people experiencing homelessness in our region and nationwide. Supporting and providing safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people is an essential part of Doorways’ efforts toward achieving our vision of a community where all people live free of violence and have safe and stable housing.

Safe spaces save lives… Supporting and providing safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people is an essential part of Doorways’ efforts toward achieving our vision of a community where all people live free of violence and have safe and stable housing.

In these efforts, Doorways is proud to partner with fellow trans and queer-affirming organizations, including Safe Space NOVA, which is dedicated to providing a safe, accepting, and supportive environment to combat social stigmas, bullying, and other challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth. This month – Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month – we are partnering with Safe Space NOVA to host the third iteration of You + Me = We, an educational workshop series designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth and youth allies. It is more important than ever to provide these safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth and promote a community culture of safe and healthy relationships, so that sexual and intimate partner violence are less likely to occur.

To all LGBTQIA+ youth, we see you; you are valid and worthy of respect and safety; and we support you.

Commanders player James Smith-Williams advocates for survivors and their pets

Uncategorized

“James Smith-Williams plays defense for the Washington Commanders. But off the field, he defends survivors of domestic violence,” WUSA9 reports.

“According to Purple Leash Project, only 15% of domestic violence shelters allow pets.”

“It’s not really a highlighted cause, but [domestic violence victims] stay because pets are an extension of their family,” James said.

“That’s why he’s teaming up with Purina and the Purple Leash Project for an initiative to increase pet-friendly domestic abuse shelters,” like Doorways.

In May 2009, Doorways became the only shelter in Virginia, and one of nine in the country, to offer safe shelter for people and pets fleeing violence. The all-weather kennel, which has heat, air conditioning, and indoor/outdoor areas, can house dogs, cats, and other small animals like hamsters and turtles. Learn more about our Domestic Violence Safehouse.

“Smith-Williams will continue to use his platform to make sure survivors of domestic violence and their pets stay together by wearing custom Purple Leash cleats for the Commanders’ Week 13 game this season,” WUSA9 reports.

Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month 2022 Proclamation

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ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Proclamation

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH

WHEREAS, Arlington County envisions a peaceful and respectful community – where diversity is celebrated, violence is not tolerated, and where all people are empowered to build healthy and safe relationships; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence is a serious but underreported crime that affects people of all races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and income levels in our community and across the nation – where “over one in 3 women and about one in 3 men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime,” with trans and nonbinary people experiencing the same or higher rates of violence; and

WHEREAS, as a community, Arlington is dedicated to addressing the issue of domestic, dating and intimate partner violence, ensuring those who have been harmed are offered timely, equitable, and culturally responsive support services; and

WHEREAS, our networks of support services work every hour of every day, to meet the needs of those who have been harmed, assisting those who need immediate support and meeting the ongoing needs of those experiencing any form of domestic violence, directly or vicariously; and

WHEREAS, Arlington is also dedicated to ensuring that those who have caused harm in domestic, dating, and intimate partner relationships are held accountable and offered the support services they need to address their use of violence; and

WHEREAS, under the umbrella of Project PEACE, important partnerships thrive among criminal and juvenile justice agencies, healthcare providers, allied professionals, and victim advocacy services to assist victims of domestic violence and their families, to enhance our community’s response, and enhance primary prevention; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about the impact of domestic violence in our community and to show support for those who provide critical education, advocacy, services and assistance to victims; and

WHEREAS, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring the safety of vulnerable members of our community,

NOW THEREFORE, I, Katie Cristol, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim October 2022 as

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH

in Arlington County, to honor those who have lost their lives, celebrate those who survived, and encourage everyone in our community to join our efforts to end domestic violence.

Household Pets Flee Violence, Too

Uncategorized

Cleaning supplies, sheets, garbage bags and cat beds. Doorways has a wish list for the occupants of their Domestic Violence Safehouse which includes the residents as well as their pets. Doorways is the only shelter in Virginia and one of nine in the country who offer safe shelter for people and pets fleeing violence. The all weather kennel has heat and air conditioning and indoor and outdoor areas.

“We know that leaving a pet behind is a barrier to fleeing domestic violence,” says Joy Myers, Doorways’ Chief Development Officer. Continue reading.

Doorways Collaborates with Ring to Provide Safety Tools for Survivors

Press Release

Doorways Collaborates with Ring to Provide Safety Tools for Survivors

Senator Barbara Favola Voices Support for Initiative

Arlington, VA — June 7, 2022 — Today, local nonprofit Doorways, the only domestic and sexual violence shelter and services provider in Arlington and the City of Falls Church, announced an initiative to provide additional safety tools to survivors. Ring, whose mission is to make neighborhoods safer, will be donating up to 1,000 Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cameras to Doorways to be shared with clients, along with a free Ring Protect Plan subscription for the life of each device. In addition to this device donation, Ring will also provide a monetary contribution to help amplify Doorways’ impact for survivors across Arlington and surrounding communities.

Doorways will share devices with survivors on a case-by-case basis and as needed to support peace of mind for survivors. The National Domestic Violence Hotline defines a safety plan as a set of actions that can help lower risk of being hurt by a partner. Tools like Ring devices can help reduce risk during interactions among current or former partners, such as custody exchanges and visitation.

“Thanks to this initiative with Ring, we are able to get additional safety tools into the hands of our clients who would not otherwise be able to access them,” said Doorways President and CEO, Diana Ortiz. “Many of our clients have expressed that they want to utilize tools such as the Ring cameras and doorbells, but they do not have the means to purchase the devices and subscriptions. We are grateful that this donation will enable Doorways to meet our clients’ needs at no cost to them or the organization, so we can continue using our resources to provide shelter, supportive housing, and 24/7 services.” Ortiz went on to say that “corporate collaborations, such as this with Ring, help sustain Doorways’ life-saving programs and have been especially critical during the pandemic.”

“Many of our clients have expressed that they want to utilize tools such as the Ring cameras and doorbells, but they do not have the means to purchase the devices and subscriptions. We are grateful that this donation will enable Doorways to meet our clients’ needs.”

“Diana and her team work tirelessly to respond to each of their client’s individual and family needs and help them achieve the best outcomes,” said Karla Torres, Head of Community Engagement at Ring. “Doorways takes a community-based approach to supporting survivors, including offering comprehensive services like advocacy, counseling, and housing within and beyond Doorways. We believe in advancing their efforts in Arlington and enhancing their safety planning for clients to build safe and stable futures.”

“I’m proud to support Doorways’ collaboration with Ring that adds to the safety tools available for survivors of domestic violence,” said Virginia State Senator Barbara Favola. “These devices help make it possible for survivors to return to normal routines with a sense of security and confidence. There is nothing more important than giving survivors hope and that’s what this donation is all about.”

The Washington Post: Depp-Heard verdict will have chilling impact on #MeToo, advocates fear

Advocacy

“Many survivors may also fear that coming forward with any claim of abuse — which is already an underreported crime — could result in a defamation suit,” wrote Linley Beckbridge, director of communications and advocacy for Doorways — an Arlington, Va., nonprofit that provides housing and other supportive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence — in an email to The Post. “Although the support shown to Johnny Depp could signal a positive shift towards believing male survivors of intimate partner violence, the net result will probably be increased silencing and isolation of survivors, especially women.” Continue reading.