Get Help

How to Translate Our Website

Click here to open the ReciteMe toolbar, which will appear at the top of our website. Select this symbol with flags for a translation tool with over 100 languages, including 35 text-to-speech voices.

How to Use Accessibility Tools

Click here to open the ReciteMe toolbar, which will appear at the top of our website with multiple options including text-to-speech functionality, fully customizable styling features, and reading support. See the ReciteMe user guide to learn more about the additional tools available.

Access to Doorways’ Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home* and other Arlington homeless shelters is provided through Arlington County’s Centralized Access System (CAS).

If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in our community:

• Contact the Department of Human Services Community Assistance Bureau at 703-228-1300 for help if you or someone you know is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
• In case of shelter need during non-business hours, households should call 703-228-1010 for assistance.

*Please note that shelter beds are reserved for Arlington, Virginia residents.

Not in Arlington? Please see alternative resources below.

24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline

You’re not alone. Free and confidential crisis support, information and referrals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline at 703-237-0881. Whether you need emergency shelter*, hospital accompaniment, in-person individual or group counseling, court advocacy or a listening ear and helping hand, give us a call to discuss your situation or that of a loved one.

About the hotline

*Please note that shelter beds are prioritized for Arlington, Virginia residents.

Court Advocacy

Walk-ins accepted at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington, VA
Office hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Assistance and guidance on navigating the civil legal system (protective orders, child custody and support) in order to help families and survivors of abuse be more protected. Learn more.

Protective Orders

A protective order is a legal document signed by the courts and enforced by police to increase safety and add protections. Download this FAQ on getting a protective order in Arlington to learn more.

Additional Support

• Support for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
• Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault
• How to Help a Friend
• Learn About Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

National Resources

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 / 800-787-3224 (TTY) /  Online chat
  Learn what to expect when you contact the national hotline. Additional information and online chat available at www.thehotline.org. 
• National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 800-656-HOPE (4673) / Online chat
  When you call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), you’ll be routed to a local RAINN affiliate organization based on the first six digits of your phone number. Cell phone callers have the option to enter the ZIP code of their current location to more accurately locate the nearest sexual assault service provider. Learn more. You can also access 24/7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org to chat.
• loveisrespect: 866-331-9474 / TTY: 866-331-8453 / Text: loveis to 22522 / Online chat
  Highly-trained advocates offer support, information and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about their dating relationships. They also provide information and support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, service providers and members of law enforcement. Free and confidential phone, live chat and texting services are available 24/7/365.

Regional Resources

• Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance
• Virginia Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-838-4753
• LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline: 866-356-6998  / Text: 804-793-9999  / Chat (confidential instant messaging)
• DC Victim Services 24-Hour Hotline: 844-443-5732
• DC Citywide Sexual Assault Hotline: 202-333-RAPE
• Maryland Domestic Violence Hotline/Resources: 800-MD-HELPS

Local Resources

• See the Arlington Department of Human Services Program Directory for additional resources in our community, such as emergency financial assistance from Arlington Thrive.
• Fairfax County Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline: 703-360-7273; TTY 711
• Alexandria Sexual Assault Hotline: 703-683-7273
• Alexandria Domestic Violence Hotline: 703-746-4911

Help a Friend Experiencing Abuse

As a friend, family member or co-worker of someone in an unhealthy or violent relationship, you may be the first person to recognize your loved one is not safe. There are many things you can do to maintain your relationship with them and assist them in building a safety net for them, their children and their pets. Here are a few suggestions.

GET TIPS

Help a Friend Who’s Experienced Sexual Violence

When a friend, family member or coworker discloses that they have experienced sexual violence, including rape and sexual assault, you may be the first person with whom the survivor shares their story. The assault may have happened recently or long ago. Your reaction to their disclosure is critical. There are many things you can do to support the survivor and empower them in their healing process.

GET TIPS

Doorways is committed to creating an environment that provides culturally competent and inclusive services that are non-stigmatizing to all clients regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sex, gender and gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, or disability, as well as to others from diverse backgrounds.

• We welcome and serve all clients who access services, including clients of all sexual orientations, including, but not limited to, those who identify as heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, and questioning, as well as gender-conforming, gender non-conforming, nonbinary, transgender, and transitioning individuals.
• We respect your identity/ies, name and pronouns.
• We welcome staff, board members, volunteers and clients irrespective of race, sexual orientation, sex, gender and gender identity (or expression), religion, national origin, age, or disability, as well as others from diverse backgrounds. Many of our staff identify as LGBTQIA+.

How we’re making our space safer

• All staff and volunteers complete 40+ hours of Doorways core training that includes curriculum focused on working with LGBTQIA+ survivors.
• We have updated intake forms and other documents to be open-ended for gender identification and (preferred) pronouns.
• New literature and brochures include the safe zone symbol to help improve access to our services for those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
• We have incorporated more inclusive language in our assessments.
• We seek ongoing feedback from our clients to continue to improve our programs and services.
• We continue to engage in improving practices that are inclusive and welcoming of all victims. Staff attend ongoing trainings to learn and to help us continue to improve our response to those who identify as LGBTQIA+.