July is #DisabilityPrideMonth —a time to honor disabled joy and community, and to confront hard truths. Disabled people face some of the highest rates of sexual & domestic violence—and huge barriers to safety. Need support? Call: 800-838-8238 Text: 804-793-9999 Chat: vadata.org/chat Open 24/7/365

When summer hits, teens spend more time online—and that can open the door to digital dating abuse, coercion, and control. From nonconsensual image sharing to tracking through apps and devices, the risks are real—and rising. Our Hotline and Love is Respect are resources you can use if you need help.

In Q1 2025, thousands of survivors in VA reached out for help—and many were met with full shelters and stretched-thin services. The numbers tell a hard truth: violence is rising, and systems can’t keep up. Read. Share. Act. Survivors deserve more: bit.ly/3TSTb4B

This July 4th, remember: freedom isn’t real without safety, autonomy, and justice for all. Thousands of survivors in VA are still fighting for freedom from violence. Let’s build a Commonwealth where no one is left behind. Need support? Call 1-800-838-8238 | Text 804-793-9999 | Chat: vadata.org/chat

Rural hospitals are lifelines for survivors. But proposed Medicaid cuts in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could close 6 VA hospitals—taking emergency care, forensic exams & trauma support with them. Speak up. Share. Call your reps: bit.ly/3I6Rj5P

Our 2024 Annual Report is here! It highlights survivor-led advocacy, community support, and systems change across VA. See what we’ve built together: equity, safety, healing. Read now: bit.ly/45tftRE

Policy Director, Sanu Dieng-Cooper, spent #AdvocacyDays on the Hill urging @bobbyscott.house.gov, @mcclellan.house.gov, Rep. Rob Wittman, @kaine.senate.gov, and @markwarner.bsky.social to support survivors. Grateful for meaningful convos. The need is urgent—survivors can’t wait. Neither can we.

We're in DC for #AdvocacyDays with @nnedv.bsky.social, NAESV, & others from the movement to fight for survivors. #VOCA funds over 6,000 programs & 6M+ survivors yearly—but it's at risk. Congress must: ✅ Increase VOCA in FY26 ✅ Protect tribal set-aside ✅ Use funds as intended #SupportSurvivors #VOCA

DV & SV increase in summer due to heat, stress, alcohol, and idle time. You're not alone. Advocates at the Virginia Statewide Hotline are ready to listen and support you 24/7/365 or anyone you know that need help: 📞 800-838-8238 📱 Text: 804-793-9999 💬 Chat: vadata.org/chat/.

And this is why we have joined with 16 other state coalitions in a federal lawsuit challenging dangerous new restrictions on grants from the DOJ's OVW. We’re taking a stand to defend funding, uphold equity, and ensure every survivor has the fundamental right to access safety, healing, and justice.

We have joined 17 state coalitions in suing the DOJ over new OVW grant rules that threaten survivor services. The admin’s anti-immigrant, anti-trans, anti-equity agenda is not just harmful: it’s unlawful. Full statement: bit.ly/4l6luYX National release: bit.ly/44gD9aF Legal filing: bit.ly/3FPJmkL

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is anything but: IT'S UGLY. It guts housing aid survivors need to escape abuse. Without shelters & rental help, many face unsafe choices. Housing is survival. Call your senators—urge them to oppose the bill. #StopTheBill #SupportSurvivors #HousingIsSafety

Survivors deserve safety—no matter their immigration status. But fear of ICE near shelters & courts keeps many silent or at risk. Some face deportation for seeking help. We need policies that protect, not punish. #EndSurvivorSilence #ProtectNotPunish

Data shows that 93% of survivors accessing services in Virginia received help with healthcare coverage or costs. Medicaid cuts would rip away this vital support. Stripping Medicaid means fewer survivors get the life-saving care they need to recover and rebuild. Read more here: bit.ly/43snLGF

Survivors deserve resources, especially housing when they're fleeing an abuser. There's a deep connection between IPV and homelessness; it is not uncommon for survivors to choose a car or a public space over their home as the safest option in which to reside. www.vpm.org/news/2025-05...

Congress wants to cut $290B from SNAP, a lifeline for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. These cuts would eliminate benefits for millions, including survivors and children rebuilding after trauma. Survivors need support. Contact your Congressional legislators now and tell them to #SaveSNAP

For #AAPIHeritageMonth, we name barriers survivors face: stigma, language access, immigration fears, and distrust of systems. AAPI communities build solutions—advocacy, healing, multilingual services, survivor-led justice. We honor survivors by fighting for systems that see and hear them.

Indigenous women face disproportionately high rates of sexual and domestic violence. In Virginia and across the U.S., many go missing or are murdered without answers or justice. We honor their lives and call for change, awareness, and protection. #MMIWG #NoMoreStolenSisters

SDV advocates' constant exposure to trauma, long hours, and emotional labor can lead to burnout. Without care, it can mirror PTSD symptoms: nightmares, anxiety, and emotional numbness. A well-supported advocate can offer safer spaces, deeper empathy, and better boundaries.

May 1-7 marks SCAN's Resilience Week in Virginia. This year spotlights the 6 principles of trauma-informed care which are vital in supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence, fostering healing and empowerment. ​#ResilienceWeekinVirginia

In 1998, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, ruling that the victim must have helped remove her tight jeans, implying consent. Outraged, women in the Italian Parliament wore denim in protest. In 1999, Peace Over Violence launched Denim Day to raise awareness about victim-blaming.

Research shows that sexual abuse survivors are 10X more likely to attempt suicide. 30%-50% of child sexual abuse survivors attempted suicide at least once in their life. 94% of survivors feel more hopeful about their lives when they connected with an advocate. bit.ly/3ErAhhq

The DOJ terminated 360+ federal grants, cutting off hundreds of millions of dollars that help survivors get the justice, safety, and healing they deserve. These cuts came as we learned the proposed FY26 budget for HHS includes $69M in cuts to RPE and DELTA. Contact your reps today: bit.ly/4cQegFx

Adult survivors of DV comprised at least 53% of those seeking emergency shelter, 62% of those seeking rapid re-housing services, and 66% of those receiving homelessness prevention services in 2023. Emergency Housing Vouchers funds 800 vouchers each year in Virginia. @apnews.com bit.ly/4iCPHxm

Environmental harm and domestic & sexual violence are deeply connected. Extreme weather, displacement, and resource scarcity make people more vulnerable to domestic & sexual violence. Let’s stand together for a world where people and the planet can heal and thrive. #EarthDay

We're thrilled to announce our Spring Training Retreat keynote speakers: Alexis Flanagan and Caitlin Bradley! Together, they'll bring heart, healing, and bold purpose to our retreat space. You won't want to miss it. Register today to join us May 20-22 in Natural Bridge: bit.ly/4iVWtip

1 in 9 girls. 1 in 20 boys. Before they even turn 18. These are not just numbers, they're children. Survivors. Voices that deserve to be heard, protected, and believed. Let’s create a world where every child grows up safe, supported, and free from abuse. #SAAM #CAPMonth

This #NationalPetDay, we celebrate the furry, feathered, and scaly companions who bring comfort, joy, and a whole lot of tail wags to our lives—especially our incredible staff pets! 💛 From midday snuggles to post-work walkies, these animals are family, co-workers, and daily sources of happiness.

Many survivors don't know where to turn when they need help. That’s where libraries step in. For many survivors, libraries are lifelines. In fact, 77% of libraries partner with social service providers, including DV shelters and crisis hotlines to help survivors. #NationalLibraryWeek bit.ly/4cqMSxO

There’s a harmful myth that immigrants are the main perpetrators of sexual violence in America. The truth? Research consistently shows that immigrants—both documented and undocumented—are less likely to commit sexual offenses than U.S.-born citizens. Let’s focus on facts, not fear.

Using the right terms isn’t just about accuracy, it’s about respect, validation, and accountability. When we use precise, survivor-centered language, we help create a culture where people feel heard, justice is more attainable, and myths about assault are dismantled.

Homicide is a leading cause of death for pregnant women in the U.S.—often at the hands of intimate partners. Despite this, the NIH defunded a major research project studying domestic violence and maternal mortality. Data drives policy. Without it, lives are at risk.

Vital public health programs are being dismantled and decades of antiviolence advocacy are under threat. We are called to respond—not with despair, but with courage and clarity. This reflection from VSDVAA ED Kristi VanAudenhove offers a guide for advocates, survivors, and allies: bit.ly/3FUHXcl

This week’s HHS RIFs will have a devastating impact on survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Critical staff and services are being eliminated. Agencies won't be able to provide services survivors need. Survivors deserve safety and support — not abandonment. Join us and stand up for survivors!

April is #ChildAbusePreventionMonth, and protecting children starts with awareness, action, and advocacy. Every year, too many kids suffer in silence due to neglect, abuse, and violence. Let’s work together to break the cycle and give every child the safe, loving environment they deserve. 💙

Advocates across VA are proud to wear teal today in honor of #TealTuesday and the start of #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth! Together, we stand in support of survivors and commit to raising awareness. Join us by wearing teal, starting conversations, and showing your support. #SAAM #BelieveSurvivors

#TransgenderDayofVisibility is a day to celebrate trans and nonbinary people. Visibility is powerful, but it comes with risks. Over 50% of trans individuals experience sexual violence. Nearly 25% face IPV. Trans women of color, especially Black trans women, are disproportionately affected.

By rejecting these bills, the Governor has chosen politics over protection, leaving survivors vulnerable to further harm. We will not stop advocating until every survivor has the safety and justice they deserve. bit.ly/4279kaA

#EqualPayDay is about power, independence, and safety. For survivors, financial security can mean the difference between staying in an unsafe situation and building a new life. Yet, the gender pay gap—especially for women of color—makes it even harder for survivors to regain stability and freedom.

April is both #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth and #ChildAbusePreventionMonth. Join us throughout April as we stand with survivors by dressing in teal, blue, and denim. Strengthen your impact by becoming an Action Alliance member and/or donor. Join here: bit.ly/3g3SNxf Donate here: bit.ly/3tf17Ao

Racial inequality fuels violence and limits access to safety. Women and marginalized communities of color face higher rates of abuse yet often struggle to access justice, support services, and protection due to systemic racism and bias. #InternationalDayForTheEliminationOfRacialDiscrimination

The DOJ's decision to drop its lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs—despite myriad allegations of child sexual assault—is callous, wrong, and a profound affront to survivors and the justice they need and deserve. Migrant children deserve protection, not neglect. Justice should not be optional.

Last year, more than 50K women vets enrolled in VA health care marking the largest enrollment year ever for women vets. Virginia was among the top states to experience this hike. They fought for us. We must fight for them. Tell lawmakers: Stop the cuts to the VA! #VirginiaWomensVeteransWeek

Check out the op-ed in @richmond.com by @kellyewroskam.bsky.social and Lori Hass from @jhucgvs.bsky.social highlighting the benefits of HB 1960 and HB 1869, which address dangerous gun control loopholes domestic abusers can exploit and encouraging #GovYoungkin not to veto them: bit.ly/42c0uJG

Economic justice and BIPOC leadership go hand in hand because when communities of color have a seat at the table, we create policies that uplift everyone. Read more about the economic justice work our BIPOC Economic Justice Leadership Cohort is doing: bit.ly/3FFNOSq #EconomicJustice #BIPOCLeadership

Safe housing is a basic human right, yet many survivors of domestic violence face barriers to finding a safe place to call home. To wit, domestic violence is often the immediate cause of homelessness. Our government must protect survivors instead of endangering them further with callous policies.

This #InternationalWomen’sDay, we honor the strength of survivors who are more than their trauma. They are powerful and deserving of safety and support. ✨ When we believe survivors, we empower them. ✨ When we build safe spaces, we create healing. ✨ When we stand together, we create real change.

There’s a harmful myth that immigrants are the main perpetrators of sexual violence. But research consistently shows that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes and more likely to be a victim of sexual violence. Spreading false claims distracts from real solutions to combat sexual violence.

#Women’sHistoryMonth is a time to honor women's achievements and spotlight challenges that persist: 1 in 4 women experience IPV in their lifetime. This statistic is a call to action. The Statewide Hotline is ready to help 24/7/365. Call: 800-838-8238;Text: 804-793-9999; Chat: www.vadata.org/chat/

TW: SA. The federal courts should be a place of justice—not fear. It's time to dismantle the systems of power and control that allow misconduct to thrive in silence. No one—judges, clerks, or staff—should fear retaliation for speaking up. #JudicialAccountability #SafeWorkplaces bit.ly/4ineaqH