October Recognized As Domestic Violence Awareness Month By Loudoun County Supervisors

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — October is officially Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Loudoun County. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors made it official through a proclamation at Tuesday's meeting.

Last month, a woman from Sterling was assaulted with a hammer; she later died of her injuries. Her husband was arrested and charged with her murder.

Read more: Murder Charge Announced For Sterling Man: Police

Buta Biberaj, the Commonwealth's Attorney for Loudoun County, also released a statement about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In it, Biberaj described domestic violence as "the greatest threat to the safety, stability, and health of our community."

"Every incident is one too many. Each day acts of domestic violence are committed, the fiber of our great community is frayed," Biberaj said. "In addition to the physical harm the victim suffers, there is mental and emotional trauma which, except in cases of death, extends beyond the physical injury."

To make matters worse, the court system has its own issues regarding domestic violence cases, according to Biberaj. In 2018, the most recent year with available data, approximately 17 percent of domestic violence cases ended in convictions.

"The data is evident that the court system cannot do it alone," Biberaj said. "Challenges related to the prosecutions included victim assistance/cooperation, and lack of evidence."

Recently, a victim in Loudoun County was arrested and jailed after she was convicted of contempt while was she was testifying against the person she accused of abusing her. Biberaj claimed her office fought for her and will continue to stand with victims.

Since 2004, there have been 15 murders in Loudoun County related to domestic incidents, according to the commonwealth's attorney's office.

"Abuse does not discriminate and each year, domestic violence causes harm to thousands of Virginians regardless of their race, age, sexual orientation, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status," the Board of Supervisors said in their proclamation. "Loudoun County is committed to domestic violence prevention, and will continue to educate ourselves on the cycle of domestic violence and ways to better support victims."

Currently, the county uses a coordinated community response model to support survivors of domestic violence. The model includes the Domestic Abuse Response Team and the Domestic Violence Steering Committee.

Biberaj and the supervisors noted concern about a rise in domestic violence cases since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. They voiced concerns that victims are forced to remain with their abusers and resources are strained.

"The concern is we may never know the full impact of COVID-19 on families as many incidents go unreported because victims do not have exit options," Biberaj said. "This is clearly a community crisis. We need a community response."

The county is looking for input from residents on how they can better help prevent domestic violence and support survivors. Feedback can be emailed to StopDomesticViolence@Loudoun.gov.

There are a number of resources available for victims and survivors of domestic violence. First, if someone is in immediate danger, residents should call or text 9-1-1.

In Loudoun County, residents can also call the county's Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 703-777-6552.

Residents can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224. If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network also offers services for survivors. They can be reached by calling 800-656-4673. There is also an online chat available on their website.