Always on the Front Lines
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on all of us. It has shown the shortcomings of our government support networks and demonstrated the value of everyday essential workers: grocery store clerks, bus drivers, nurses, truck drivers, and so many more who keep our communities safe, healthy, and running.
The workers at local sexual assault crisis centers and domestic violence shelters are in our communities every day providing vital support to victims and survivors of violence and working to prevent violence from happening in the first place. These advocates aren’t always in the spotlight, but they are always on the front lines.
We’re thankful for the advocates who show up each day and do what must be done to make sure that safety, healing, and justice are accessible to every person impacted by sexual and domestic violence. They’re ready to listen and help you, your friend, or your family. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Read more: “The Essential Work of Supporting Sexual and Domestic Violence Survivors” – Op-ed by Kristi VanAudenhove, Executive Director of the Action Alliance and Del. Karrie Delaney (VA-67).
What You Can Do
- Donate to your local sexual and domestic violence agency. Not sure who’s near you? Here’s a map and list of programs in Virginia. You can also filter by locality.
- Show some love: thank your local sexual and domestic violence agency workers.
- Contact your local sexual and domestic violence agency to ask how you can best help them and what they need from members of the community.
- Help raise awareness and spread the word:
- Download the poster set (pdf) and hang a poster (18″ x 24″) at your local business or organization (Download poster PNG files here).
- Share a post on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram) and tag the Action Alliance and your local agency. (Download social media assets here.) Note: Square images have been designed for use on Instagram (@vsdvaa). Rectangular images have been designed for use on Facebook (@VActionAlliance) and Twitter (@VActionAlliance).
