Give the Gift of Hope

Doorways’ safe harbor helped Karen and her daughter begin again. You can help ensure that every survivor that calls on us gets a new, safe start. You can be part of a brighter future!

Right now, a small group of generous donors led by Kevin and Judy Moak will match your gift, dollar for dollar, up to $75,000! Help survivors like Karen and her daughter thrive, build new lives, and achieve their goals, free from abuse. Donate now to double your gift of safe harbor, healing, and hope!

To protect the family in this story, their names and identifying information have been changed. Images used are stock photos, featuring models, for illustrative purposes only.

“I’m going to give you a phone number. Call them. They will help you.”

In the heat of the summer, Karen paced a local park with her phone in her hand, trying to find help. Home wasn’t safe for Karen or her daughter, and they had nowhere else to go.

“Where is my daughter going to sleep tonight?” she asked herself.

In that moment, Karen ran into a neighbor, who asked her what was going on. Karen told her about the abuse. “I’m going to give you a phone number,” her neighbor said. “Call them. They will help you.”

Karen called the Doorways Hotline and spoke with an advocate who immediately arranged for Karen and her daughter to come into shelter. That night, and every night thereafter, they would have a safe place to sleep.

“Before Doorways, I was very worried. I felt very frustrated because I had no one to lean on,” Karen said. “After I was able to call Doorways, I felt their support, and I felt lighter, more relieved, calm. For my daughter, there was protection, there was friendship. She felt this place was safe.”

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“Doorways changed my life.”

After funding cuts, nonprofits for domestic-violence survivors scale back

A federal fund for organizations that help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault is nearly depleted.

By Ellie Silverman

Organizations that support survivors of domestic violence and child abuse across the country are paring back resources — or preparing to shut down shelters — due to a dramatic drop in federal funds.

For fiscal year 2024, Congress set a funding cap of $1.35 billion — about $600 million less than last year for the Crime Victims Fund, as its reserve dwindled. Advocates fear that without a funding fix they may stare down an even bigger hole next year.

A cut of this magnitude will have a “catastrophic” impact on survivors, said Teresa Huizar, CEO of the D.C.-based National Children’s Alliance, a network of nearly 1,000 advocacy centers.

The need for programs such as domestic violence hotlines, rape crisis centers and legal assistance, has only grown, advocates say.

The fund — which is administered by the Department of Justice — supports more than 6 million survivors of crime, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

In the D.C. region, this year’s cut has translated into a decrease of $200,000 — or 11 percent — for Doorways, Arlington’s sole provider of crisis services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Leaders say that means one less advocate to go to court with survivors; one less community advocate to help with safety planning and connecting survivors to resources; two less case managers for shelter and housing programs.

One mother interviewed by The Washington Post said Doorways’ services helped her come to terms with the abuse she endured and find the courage to leave.

“I couldn’t see any light,” said the woman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she was concerned for her safety. “Doorways brought me hope.”

Doorways manages six apartments in northern Virginia to house survivors leaving abusive relationships, but may have to close those sites because of funding cuts, leaders said.

Continue Reading in The Washington Post

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How do I help a friend who is in an unhealthy relationship?

When someone tells you that they feel unsafe with their partner, your response is critical. A supportive response from a friend, colleague, or loved one can empower a survivor to believe in themselves and move forward in seeking further support.

1) Believe them:

• Listen without judgement.
• Do not question or blame them (e.g. “Are you sure that happened?” “Did you say or do anything to upset them?”)

2) Reassure them:

• Abuse is never their fault.
• They deserve safety and respect.
• Thank them for sharing and for trusting you.

3) Remind them:

• They are not alone.
• Help is available: Doorways’ 24-Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline: 703-237-0881 or the National Hotline: 800-799-7233 / Text “START” to 88788 / Chat online at www.thehotline.org

While it is difficult to see someone hurting, it is important to understand that you cannot “rescue” the survivor or force them to leave. Further, leaving and the period of time afterwards are the most dangerous for the survivor. Survivors are also likely to return to their partner several times before they leave for good. It is critical to continue being supportive, even if you disagree with the survivor’s choices. We encourage you to reach out to a hotline to seek support for yourself as you navigate caring for someone in an unhealthy situation.