Everyone has a role to play in not just raising awareness to domestic violence, but ensuring that there are steps taken to end it. I was fortunate enough to help coordinate a Legislative Breakfast this past Wednesday as part of the Northern Virginia Taskforce of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance. Doorways for Women and Families and other NoVA providers invited legislators and political candidates from across Northern Virginia to share some breakfast with us as we discussed issues facing those experiencing domestic abuse.
The conversation was fascinating.
Questions ranged from how DV affects the military community to the state of domestic violence in the current economic crisis. The legislators listened to service providers tell how domestic violence has impacted their community. Marielle Filholm of Doorways told the story of one of our clients and the obstacles she overcame to achieve self-sufficiency. Ultimately, all in attendance agreed on one thing: we need to make domestic violence issues a priority in Richmond and in our community. Unfortunately, the entire Virginia General Assembly and the entire Arlington community could not fit in that room.
The conversation should not stop once the coffee runs out and the bagels are boxed up. While Domestic Violence Awareness Month occurs for 31 days a year, engaging our community in a dialogue about domestic violence needs to be an ongoing event.
Next time you’re having your morning coffee with friends, engage them in this conversation. It may take more than one breakfast to end domestic violence, but it’s a great place to start.
Join us for our last event of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this Saturday at our Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk for the Homeless. Register here.
Wyatt Schroeder
Communication and Outreach Coordinator
It is only a few weeks before the children of Doorways go back to school. Thanks to our wonderful donors who supported our 
Caroline Jones
