O�� Pr��i�� Creativity. Quality. Professionalism Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors: There’s Help Here! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Fauquier County is ahead of the curve in its ability to provide services to survivors of both domestic violence and sexual assault. Thanks to two recent grants, it was able to launch the Fauquier County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy Program (FCDVSAAP), which is unique in that it falls under the county’s social services department. as well as herself getting the word out about the program has greatly increased program awareness. She explains that in the fiscal year following the first grant’s implementation, the program served 122 adults and children. The following year, with two grants in place, it served 262 people, a significant increase. Angel is quick to point out that these numbers don’t indicate that domestic violence and sexual assault are on the rise—it simply means that more cases are being reported and addressed. Professional Plans, Patios & Walkways, Plantings, Lighting, Water Features, Decorative & Retaining Walls, Arbors & Pergolas Promise Landscape 540.454.7826 www.promiselandscape.com 540.454.5283 Member of American Society of Landscape Architects MILITARY & VETERAN DISCOUNT OF 5% F r ee p a n d d e ic k u p from hliver y o o r w o r me k OIL CHANGE $ Standard oil change w/ tire rotation up to 5 qt.’s oil. With this coupon only. Not valid with any other offer. Present coupon at time of order. Valid at Advanced Automotive Warrenton Location. Expires 10/31/17 DF FALL SPECIAL $ Coolant exchange, check and top off all fluids Includes Universal Coolant. Long Life Premium Coolant additional. With this coupon only. Not valid with any other offer. Present coupon at time of order. 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The department is acutely focused on getting the word out in Fauquier County in need of help. to let domestic violence or sexual assault In 2015, the department applied for and won survivors know that they are not alone. a grant through the Virginia Department of FCDVSAAP has a hotline number that is Social Services. The grant provided for two manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. full-time case manager/advocate positions Survivors can call (540) 422-8460 to get as well as several resources, including short- assistance—whether it is short-term shelter, term shelter and food, elements that the transportation to a support group meeting, department had previously relied upon area or simply someone who will listen to them. churches to provide. These two individuals worked diligently to partner with churches, “Long-term case management is a big nonprofits, local mental health and health piece of what we offer,” Mittie says. “Not all care providers, attorneys, and the Fauquier people are ready to leave their situations, County Sheriff’s Office to establish ongoing but we try to empower them in any way partnerships and create local stakeholders. we can.” Support groups have been very The case managers/advocates also met helpful in that regard. There are groups with Jonathan Lynn, the Fauquier County for adults, teens, and younger children, Juvenile and Domestic Relations judge at held on Wednesday evenings, as well as “Table Talk,” which meets on Tuesdays and the time, to explain the program. is geared toward elderly clients. The next year, the department experienced two significant changes. The first was being Angel notes that an equally important goal awarded a second grant funded through the is educating the public, especially youth, to Department of Criminal Justice Services. eventually reverse the trends of domestic This allowed for two more case managers/ violence and sexual assault. Several advocates, an outreach coordinator, and outreach campaigns are being planned, additional funding for emergency legal including expanding the purple ribbon services and mental health counseling (signifying domestic violence) campaign for crisis and trauma situations resulting from downtown Warrenton to Marshall Day from domestic violence and sexual assault. on October 14, as well as presentations at schools, churches, and other faith-based The second change included introducing and civic organizations. the program and additional team members to Melissa Cupp, the newly appointed While FCDVSAAP is making headway in Fauquier Juvenile and Domestic Relations the serious issues of domestic violence judge. Like her predecessor, she understood and sexual assault, they can still use help. the value of a case manager/advocate The grant doesn’t cover all necessary items accompanying survivors throughout the for victims, so donations are welcome. In court process and connecting them with addition, volunteers are needed for office assistance as well as support group help available legal services. and transportation. To learn more, including Angel Walters is the outreach coordinator how to volunteer, call the hotline number who came on board as a result of the at (540) 422-8460. latest grant, and she notes that having ~ Nancy Griffin-Bonnaire four full-time case manager/advocates To advertise: 540-349-8060 www.discoverypubs.com