Each year, the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance hosts Act. Honor. Hope., an event to recognize individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond to turn the tide and support the development of safe, healthy, and thriving communities across the Commonwealth.
This year, we honor two brilliant and bold advocates who work tirelessly on behalf of survivors. They are examples of the power of merging grassroots advocacy with policy-based strategy. Our HOPE Awardees are Senator Barbara A. Favola (Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun) and Delegate Karrie K. Delaney (Fairfax and Loudoun).
Senator Barbara A. Favola
For the past decade, Sen. Favola has been a steadfast champion in the Senate on behalf of children, families, and survivors of violence. Serving as Chair of Virginia’s Sexual & Domestic Violence Advisory Committee, she has cultivated a close relationship with the field that has led to her sponsoring numerous bills limiting abuser access to firearms, reforming systems responses, and establishing the first ever sexual and domestic violence prevention fund in Virginia. She has also worked to amplify our issues on the national stage, urging our Congressional delegation to reauthorize VAWA and to pass the much needed VOCA Fix Act, while advocating for the inclusion of stop-gap ARPA funding to sexual and domestic violence agencies during the pandemic.
Delegate Karrie K. Delaney
Since joining the General Assembly in 2018, Del. Delaney has dedicated almost her entire legislative career to increasing survivor access to life-saving community resources, centering advocate and sexual and domestic violence agency needs in criminal justice reform efforts, and in helping to advocate for expanded investments in primary prevention. Previously a sexual assault advocate, Del. Delaney is a strong ally at the General Assembly who is invested in long-term change for survivors. Her bills to study and reform Virginia’s healthcare response to sexual assault survivors have resulted in the initiation of numerous task forces and workgroups with a wide and multidisciplinary approach to creating lasting solutions for survivors.
Please join us in HONORing these leaders who have taken extraordinary ACTION to bring about the change necessary to end sexual and domestic violence. Their leadership offers HOPE for a better tomorrow.
In addition to honoring our HOPE Awardees and recognizing our new Lifetime Members, we invite advocates and supporters from around Virginia (and beyond!) to join us as celebrate our 40th Anniversary. During the event, we’ll unveil our 40th Anniversary online timeline exhibit and have some fun with a dance party!
40 Years of Action: Act. Honor. Hope. virtual gala will be held on December 3 from 6-8pm. Proceeds support the policy, prevention, and advocacy efforts of the Action Alliance. We hope you will join us online, and you can make it hybrid by hosting a COVID-safe gathering with your closest friends and family! Purchase your tickets here by Nov. 17 to ensure the timely arrival of your celebration boxes.
This year’s event is sponsored by Dominion Energy Foundation, Martin Agency, Virginia Victims Fund, and Virginia Poverty Law Center, as well as Friends of the Action Alliance (Brad Perry and Tara Fitzpatrick, Ginny Powell, and Susheela Varky).
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