September 29, 2015 – ARLINGTON, Va. – October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Arlington County Police Department has partnered with Doorways for Women and Families, our community advocate, to bring attention to this worthy cause.
During the month of October a purple ribbon, donated by Doorways, will be 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.
In 2014, officers with Arlington County Police Department were dispatched to 2,086 incidents that were domestic violence in nature. Of those incidents, police made 196 arrests for domestic assault. “Eliminating domestic violence requires collaborative prevention and response efforts and the Police Department believes the partnership with Doorways is a step in that direction,” comments M. Jay Farr, Chief of Police.
Doorways for Women and Families is a nonprofit, community service organization that creates pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault leading to safe, stable and empowered lives. Last year, Doorways Domestic Violence Safehouse provided emergency shelter to 45 adults and 41 children escaping violence. Their Court Advocacy program helped 403 adults and children gain legal protections to ensure their safety, and the 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline responded to 1,244 callers, impacting 2,012 adults and children. “Calls to our Hotline have increased by 53% over those received last year. Doorways is grateful for our many partners who support the critical response for the many women, men and children impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault,” says Caroline Jones, Doorways President and CEO.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in 1981. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state and national level. The activities conducted had three common themes that remain a key focus to this day: mourning those that have died because of domestic violence; celebrating those who have survived; and connecting those who have worked to end violence.
In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed, and in 1989, the United States Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October as the official month.
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Arlington Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the “10 miles square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation’s Capital. Slightly smaller than 26 square miles, it is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, and one of only a handful with the prized Aaa/AAA/AAA bond rating. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods and quality schools, and has received numerous awards for Smart Growth and transit-oriented development. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world — including the Pentagon — Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
Originally published on newsroom.arlingtonva.us.
Despite Arlington’s affluence and prestige, there are still those facing homelessness or suffering abuse in our community. With the generosity of partners and supporters, Doorways helps vulnerable neighbors survive crisis, rebuild their lives and achieve brighter futures.
