Answering the Call: Doorways’ Safehouse Hotline/Coverage Volunteers

Did you know one in three women and one in four men experience violence in their relationship? In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October, Doorways wants to highlight our team of Domestic Violence Safehouse Hotline/Coverage Volunteers who inspire us every day with their passion, energy, and commitment to creating real change in our community and creating a safe space for survivors.

Doorways’ 24-hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline answered over 1,400 calls last year from survivors, family and friends, and other service providers, looking for resources, ways to help and often safe shelter from an abusive partner. To make sure the call is always answered, we engage over 25 volunteers specially trained in crisis intervention, safety planning and active listening to help provide a coordinated response. Volunteers respond to the hotline, engage with clients and their children and provide coverage of our Safehouse to help keep our doors open 365 days a year.

Debbie Moss, a Safehouse volunteer for over two years, shares her story here:

I attended an orientation and signed up for volunteer training. What a revelation it all was. Gaining a broader understanding of domestic violence and the fallout that naturally occurs. Understanding the subconscious biases and cultural differences we might have with those who don’t look or talk like us. And most important of all, appreciating the myriad of reasons why they stay. As I began to interact with the clients more and after my first couple of calls, I felt so at home sitting behind the desk at the Safehouse, confident that I can handle anything that comes my way. I am excited about every shift and I never fail to learn something every time I am there. And for me, volunteering is the least I can do to help the many women, men and children who engage with the Domestic & Sexual Violence program every year.

Thank you to each member of our amazing team of Safehouse Hotline/Coverage Volunteers for all you do to make our community a safer place!

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To show your support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, join Doorways for PurpleOut on Thursday, October19th by wearing purple to support survivors and participate in our #KnowThe5 Campaign here: www.doorwaysva.org/knowthe5   

Interested in making an impact in your community and joining the Doorways Volunteer Team which provided over 10,000 hours of service last year? For more information about the many ways you can volunteer please visit our website here: www.doorwaysva.org/join-our-cause/volunteer

Need help? Doorways 24-Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline: 703-237-0881