The facts are staggering: 1 in 2 trans or nonbinary people, more than 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 3 men experience intimate partner violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (DVAM), recognized nationally each October, offers critical opportunities to help raise awareness about domestic violence, its prevalence and impact, and the resources available to survivors. As we prepare for DVAM, save the date for Purple Thursday, a national day of action, and learn how to support the survivors in your life.

Raise Awareness on Purple Thursday

• Wear purple to show your support for survivors and your commitment to ending violence.
• Use Doorways' Purple Thursday Outreach Kit to raise awareness, inspire action, and create change.
• No purple in your closet? Only doing virtual meetings that day? Download Doorways virtual backgrounds!

How to Support the Survivors in Your Life

The national #Every1KnowsSome1 campaign draws attention to the fact that all of us know someone impacted by domestic violence. But how do we support the survivors in our life? How do we respond when they disclose that they're experiencing abuse, or when we notice that something seems off in their relationship?

Check out Doorways' tips for supporting survivors, and familiarize yourself with the resources we provide, including our 24-hour hotline (703-237-0881), emergency shelter, and support services.

Pupusas con la policía y la oficina del Alguacil, en Sofia's Pupusería

Únase a nosotros para el evento Pupusas con la policía y la oficina del Alguacil, en Sofia's Pupusería (3610 Columbia Pike) el 3 de octubre de 5 p.m. a 7 p.m. Celebremos el mes de la Herencia Hispana con buena comida y una buena conversación con los oficiales que hablan español del Departamento de Policía del Condado de Arlington y la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Arlington y nuestros socios de PathForward. ¡Esperamos verlos allí!

Pupusas with the Police and Sheriff at Sofia's Pupuseria

Join us for Pupusas with the Police and Sheriff at Sofia's Pupuseria (3610 Columbia Pike) on October 3 from 5-7 PM for an informal engagement opportunity with Spanish-speaking officers from the Arlington County Police Department and Arlington County Sheriff's Office. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with good food and good conversation alongside our partners at PathForward. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Join the growing list of Open Hearts, Open Doors sponsors at this defining moment to shape the future of Arlington. As an Open Hearts, Open Doors sponsor, you play a critical role in the evolution of Arlington's comprehensive response to domestic and sexual violence. Download the sponsorship packet to learn how you can help launch this next chapter and invest in Doorways’ sustainable growth today!

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Homeless neighbors deserve compassion — and housing

"As a doctor in the safety net, I've become familiar with the daily challenge of helping patients manage their illnesses without having a roof over their head. Our efforts to help them in the hospital often feel inadequate, knowing that once they recover from their acute illness, they will return to an entirely unhealthy environment. I can write prescriptions for medications that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month, but I can't order what my patients need most — housing."

Introducing Arlington County's Mobile Outreach Support Team (MOST)

The Mobile Outreach Support Team (MOST) is the latest addition to the County's expanding network of care for people experiencing mental health and substance use issues. The MOST program is coordinated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) in partnership with the Police and Fire Departments and the Emergency Communications Center, which operates the County's 911 system.

The MOST will provide a range of essential functions that include: 

• Triage/screening, including explicit screening for suicidality
• Assessment
• De-escalation/resolution
• Peer support
• Coordination with medical and behavioral health services
• Crisis planning and follow-up
• Homeless outreach