The need for safehousing has more than doubled

In just the last five years, the number of survivors sheltered in Doorways' safehousing has more than doubled. Last year, more than half of the 135 survivors sheltered were children. At the same time, survivors are facing greater risks and danger, with the threats and violence against them increasing in severity.

Expected SCOTUS decisions could endanger domestic violence victims. Where’s philanthropy?

"Philanthropy has long neglected the domestic violence movement, but the stakes are getting higher, and more support is desperately needed," the Chronicle for Philanthropy reports. "That harms victims and survivors who must contend with maxed-out services, and organizations that want to expand their work to better meet survivors' needs but lack the resources to do so."

Meanwhile, "domestic violence organizations rely on government funding through the Violence Against Women Act, Victims of Crime Act, and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. But federal dollars for these services is declining, and organizations across the country are bracing for additional cuts in 2024."

5 things you can do right now to help

1. Triple your support for survivors at Doorways with our 2:1 Summer Match: Don't miss this opportunity to make the most of your gift to help us meet the growing need for shelter and services. Donate now.
2. Urge your Members of Congress to act now and share with them what potential cuts to VOCA will mean for programs and survivors in your state. Act now.
3. If you are connected to a grant-maker, such as a foundation team member, share the Chronicle for Philanthropy's article, calling their attention to the suggestions for grant-making to support survivors.
4. Educate yourself on the basic facts about domestic violence. This will prepare you to talk about the issues facing survivors and service providers. Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Learn more.
5. Talk about this issue with the people in your circles, especially those who may not be familiar with Doorways — whether it's with colleagues at lunch, with fellow parents at school/camp pickup or the playground, with friends on an outing, with family at home or on the phone, or with your connections on social media. Use these conversation starters and/or sample social media post text today:

Conversation starters:

• Did you know that at least 1 in 3 people experiences intimate partner violence in their lifetime? (1 in 2 trans or nonbinary people, more than 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 3 men)

• Have you heard of Doorways? The provide a comprehensive response to domestic violence and sexual assault here in Arlington, from a youth-driven prevention program to stop abuse before it starts, to our community's only emergency shelter, community-based services, and supportive housing for survivors and their children.

• Did you know that the need for emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence has more than doubled in recent years in Arlington?

• Do you know what's happening with domestic violence program funding right now? Needs are increasing (in quantity and severity/urgency), threats are growing (e.g. Rahimi SCOTUS case; abortion bans increasing risk of intimate partner homicide), and funding is shrinking.

• Have you heard about the Rahimi SCOTUS case? Did you know it could put millions of survivors in imminent danger, at the same time as programs that help survivors are losing funding?

• Are you interested in doing something about it with me? You can do any of these 5 things to help right now (see list above).

Join Doorways at Arlington Pride on June 29th

Join us at Long Bridge Park in National Landing for a day filled with celebration, diversity, and love. This FREE event promises to be a fantastic gathering of the community, showcasing local talent, delicious food, and vibrant entertainment. Come together with friends, family, and allies to show your support and embrace the spirit of pride. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something special - mark your calendars and get ready to have an unforgettable time at the Arlington Pride Festival 2024!