Victims of domestic abuse get support from local organizations
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women will be a victim of domestic abuse in her lifetime. This abuse often results in complex trauma, but several local organizations strive to help those individuals who have been victims of abuse to live healthy, self-sufficient lives.
Bethany House of Northern Virginia, Inc. (BHNV) helps homeless women and children who have experienced domestic violence regain health and dignity by providing temporary housing and support. Its Family Assistance Program provides safe housing and emergency support services for four to six months. These services provide a home-like structure in which women and children can recover from deep emotional scars, and gain life-skills needed to become and remain abuse-free. BHNV also provides follow-up support services to help prevent "revolving door" admissions and enable more cost-effective rehabilitation. It supports the intervention for both parents and children to break the intergenerational cycles of abuse. On average, BHNV serves more than 500 victims each year. The organization is seeking volunteers to assist with transporting clients, and also to help plan fundraising and special events.
House of Ruth helps women, children, and families who are striving to overcome domestic violence, homelessness, mental health disorders, and substance abuse to build safe, stable lives and achieve their highest potential. Nearly all of the women House of Ruth serves are survivors of abuse and neglect in childhood, followed by a lack of positive, supportive relationships in adulthood, as well as a high incidence of domestic violence. House of Ruth's Domestic Violence Support Center counselors assist more than 400 women each year, using trauma-specific interventions to facilitate healing and growth.
For more information contact:
Bethany House of Northern Virginia (BHNV)
6121 Lincolnia Road, Suite 303
Alexandria, VA 22312
703.658.9500
info@bhnv.org
House of Ruth
5 Thomas Circle, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202.667.7001
houseofruth@houseofruth.org
