Fairfax County, VA – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize survivors, raise awareness, support victims, and come together as a community to promote safety, prevention, and accountability.
Domestic violence can affect every part of a person’s life, including their physical and emotional safety, relationships, finances, home, and daily routines. Responding to these cases takes more than an investigation. It takes compassion, coordination, and a commitment to making sure victims have the support they need.
Domestic violence also doesn’t always look the way people expect. Warning signs can include controlling who someone sees or where they go, isolating them from friends and family, constantly checking their phone or whereabouts, controlling access to money, making threats, using intimidation, stalking, or engaging in physical or sexual violence.
Knowing these signs can help us recognize when someone may need support. As a community, we can make a difference by listening without judgment, taking concerns seriously, and letting people know they are not alone.
As part of the Fairfax County Police Department’s Major Crimes Bureau, the Domestic Violence Unit investigates family and dating violence, stalking, strangulation, violations of protective orders, and other related offenses. Detectives gather evidence, identify patterns of abuse, and work to hold offenders accountable while keeping each victim’s safety at the center of the investigation.
The unit also participates in ongoing training focused on the complexities of domestic violence and trauma-informed responses. Detectives work alongside Victim Services Specialists, prosecutors, and community partners to strengthen investigations, improve communication, and connect victims with resources.
Our Victim Services Specialists play an important role throughout the criminal justice process. They provide victim-centered, trauma-informed support, help victims develop individualized safety plans, explain their options, and connect them with resources that can help.
That support doesn’t end when the immediate crisis is over. Specialists continue working with victims as they navigate the court process and address long-term concerns involving children, housing, counseling, finances, and pets.
For many victims, pets are family and keeping them safe can be an important part of leaving an abusive situation. An abuser may threaten, harm, or neglect a pet as a way to control or intimidate someone. Including pets in a safety plan can therefore be an important part of helping a victim move toward safety.
That connection between animal safety and domestic violence is one of the reasons the Victim Services Division hosts the annual K9 Krawl. Now in its 19th year, the K9 Krawl is a free community event that brings people and their dogs together to raise awareness, support survivors, and connect the community with organizations that help both people and animals.
The 19th Annual K9 Krawl will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, 12099 Government Center Parkway. The event begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a K-9 demonstration at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K at 9 a.m.
Participants can walk or run with their dogs and enjoy a Best Costume Dog Contest, photo booth, raffle, vendors, and other activities.
While the K9 Krawl takes place on one day, the work to support victims and survivors continues throughout the year. FCPD detectives, Victim Services Specialists, and community partners work together every day to help people find safety, support, and resources.
Domestic violence is a community issue, and everyone has a role to play. By learning the warning signs, supporting survivors, and knowing where to turn for help, we can help create a safer and more supportive Fairfax County.
Anyone experiencing abuse or concerned about someone who may be at risk can call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.
For K9 Krawl registration or information, email FCPDK9Krawl5K@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.
