New Sexual Assault Hotline Launches in Arlington

After 37 years of providing Arlington residents with a 24-hour hotline and emergency response for domestic violence, Doorways for Women and Families is expanding to offer these services to survivors of sexual assault in our community.

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive, single emergency response for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and after conducting a thorough selection process, Arlington County has chosen to partner with Doorways for Women and Families to provide this much needed community response.

“We’re pleased to partner with Doorways for Women and Families on this important resource for our community,” said County Board Chair Mary Hynes. “Doorways’ track record with the domestic violence hotline has been outstanding, providing victims with expert advice and linkages to needed services. By expanding hotline services to include sexual assault, we will again tap into Doorways’ expertise and knowledge to quickly and effectively link people to vital community services and resources.”

Continue reading at ARLnow.

Doorways for Women and Families Receives Arlington County’s Annual James B. Hunter Human Rights Award

Originally published by ARLnow, written by Ethan Rothstein 

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington and Doorways for Women and Families are two of this year’s recipients of Arlington County’s annual James B. Hunter Human Rights Awards.

The awards are given each year to individuals and organizations who show a “sustained commitment and/or outstanding accomplishment in the area of human rights made in Arlington,” according to the county’s press release.

The award winners will be honored at a ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 11, in the Arlington County Board room on the third floor of 2100 Clarendon Blvd, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The winners are selected by Arlington’s Human Rights Commission.

“It is a true honor and privilege to recognize these outstanding individuals and organizations,” said Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette. “They are the true heroes of our community and what makes Arlington such a great place to live. We should all be grateful for having such outstanding individuals and organizations in our community who have dedicate their lives and their work to look after those in need.”

Continue reading at ARLnow.

In Arlington, victims of domestic violence with pets no longer have to risk their lives, struggle with the grief of separation, or give up their pet to ensure safety from associated cruelty. In 2009, Doorways for Women and Families opened the Doorways Kennel at the Safehouse to accommodate pets of Arlington County residents and families escaping imminent peril. “When anyone is seeking safety,” says Former Doorways Director of the Domestic Violence Program, Marielle Filholm, who collaborated on the project, “there should be no barriers.” Read more at Examiner.com.