 Turning Points is the only Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Program in Prince William County. Turning Points is administered through Action in Community Through Service (ACTS), a private nonprofit human service agency serving Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.
Turning Points mission is to eliminate domestic violence in the Greater Prince William County Area by empowering victims to build lives free of violence through shelter, resources and education, providing batterers with alternatives to violence classes and educating youth about healthy relationships and to communicate to the larger community the impact domestic violence has on its citizens.
Domestic Violence is defined as a pattern of physically, sexually, and/or emotionally abusive behaviors used by one individual to maintain power over or control a partner in the context of an intimate or family relationship.
This abuse is calculated to coerce and control; to degrade and humiliate. This abusive behavior may include subtle or covert harm, as well as life-threatening acts of violence. Abusive behaviors create an atmosphere of intimidation in the relationship. No one deserves to be abused and there are people who are available to help .
What Can You Do?
Learn More
It is estimated that 3.9 million woman are physically abused by their husbands or live-in partners per year. About one out of every four American women report that they have physically abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Thirty percent of American say they know a woman who has been physically battered by her husband or boyfriend in the past year.
While women are less likely than men to be victims of crime, women are five to eight times more likely than men to be victimized by their intimate partner. More than five times as many women were murdered by initiate acquaintances than by a stranger in the year 2000. Additionally, while firearm homicides involving victims were mostly intra-gender, 95% of female firearm homicide victims were murdered by a male.
Of the women who reported being raped and or physically assaulted since the age of 18, three quarters were victimized by a current or former husband, cohabitation partner, date or boy friend.
Nationally, about 75 percent of the deaths related to domestic abuse occur when the woman is either separated from or has left the abuser.
U.S., Department of Justice, Violence by Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by Current or Former Spouses, Boyfriends, and Girlfriends
Liebman Research Inc., Domestic Violence Advertising Campaign Tracking Survey (Wave IV)
Listen
When a friend, family member, or co-worker discloses they are a victim of domestic violence, let them know that you care and want to listen. Allow them to confide in you as needed. Never blame them for what's happening. Remember victims of domestic violence have been conditioned by their abuser to take responsibility for the abuse that is being inflicted. Focus on supporting the victim’s right to make decisions. Do not confront the abusive partner. This could place you and your friend at risk.
Share Community Services
When your friend asks for advice about what to do, share the information you've gathered. Encourage your friend to seek help from the ACTS/Turning Points Domestic Violence Program or their local domestic violence program. Many people first talk to therapists or members of the clergy. These professionals may be very helpful; however, not all professionals have had training to understand domestic violence.
Focus on Strengths
Offer hope and emotional support. Emphasize that we all deserve a life that is free from violence. Suggest resources that will empower the victim. Memorize the following five phrases and say them often.
- “I'm concerned for your safety.”
- “You don’t deserve to be abused.”
- “It will only get worse.”
- “It affects your children.”
- “There are people who can help."
Turning Point Services
24 Hour a Day Crisis Line
The crisis line is answered 24 hours a day. At this number, individuals can talk with an advocate (confidentially as well as anonymously) who will listen, be supportive, provide information regarding resources and discuss safety issues. This number is also a source of information about all the Turning Points services and is the first step to accessing the safe houses.
Shelters
The domestic violence shelters are for women (and their children). Women may stay a few days or a few weeks depending on their need and individual situation. The location of the shelters is confidential . Advocates at the shelter will offer support, education on domestic violence and referrals. Support groups are also offered for women and children. There is a shelter on each side of the county. To access shelter call 703 221-4951.
Court Advocacy Office
The Court office is located in the Cox Cable Building in Manassas, 9540 Center Street, and offers victims information and assistance applying for a protective order and court accompaniment, as well as counseling, safety planning and referrals . To contact the court office call (703) 792-4782.
This program offers crisis counseling on an individual basis, as well as education support groups that focus on self esteem, healthy relationships, and accountability. Program Coordinators will assist women to safety plan, process the abuse and access appropriate resources . The Women's Program is also responsible for facilitating groups for women who are court ordered to a group. To access the Women’s Program, call the Turning points office to schedule an appointment or speak to a counselor. 703 221-4460 x 26 or 54.
Women Meeting Challenges-Making Change
May 17, 2008 - 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Garfield Senior High School
Liletta Thompson
Children's & Nurturing Parenting Program
The Children's Program provides activity-centered peer educational support groups for children between the ages of 3 and 17. This program also offers presentations to community organizations, youth, and allied professionals on the effects of Domestic Violence on Children.
Volunteers Needed with our Children’s Program
ACTS/Turning Points is looking for volunteers to help teach our communities children and teens! If you are upbeat, energetic, flexible and 17 years of age or older and looking for a way to give back to your local area, we are looking for you! Currently we need dependable young adults and adults that will help teach and facilitate our support groups on Monday evenings from 630 to 830pm.
Do you love craft activities or have a profession or hobby that you think our children would like to learn more about? Current guest speakers in our Dumfries location include the Fire Department, a Pet Therapist, Prince William County Health Department, and a nutrition session. We are currently searching for others with ideas and interests that they would like to share with our kids.
Don’t think you have time to share your talents with Acts/Turning Points right now? Our children’s program is always in need of snacks, drinks and craft items for the children and teens program. We are accepting unopened, non perishable, individually wrapped snacks, large juice drinks and craft items to create and enjoy. Remember, volunteering does not just mean giving of your time, but giving in general. Take time to give back and see how good it feels.
To Volunteer with the Children's Program call (703) 221-4460 ext.38
The Nurturing Parenting Program is an 18-week educational support group for parents focusing on five areas: 1) empathy, 2) appropriate developmental expectations, 3) promoting positive power & independence, 4) alternative methods of discipline, and 5) appropriate family roles. The classes are offered at no cost to the participants. For more information or to enroll in either of these programs, call the Nurturing Parenting/ Children's Program at (703) 221-4460 x 15
Hispanic Women's Program
This program is designed to meet the needs of non-English speaking Spanish women who are victims of domestic violence. This program focuses on safety planning, building self-esteem, communication, and linking women to other community resources. The Hispanic Women’s Program Coordinator also can provide support and accompaniment to women seeking protective orders through the criminal justice system. For more information, call (703) 221-4460 ext 20.
Outreach: Building Community Awareness/Education and Volunteer Program
Turning Points provides presentations and training to community organizations and allied professionals on the dynamics of domestic violence and its impact on the community. Individuals in the community wishing to volunteer and play an active role in alleviating and eliminating domestic violence in the Greater Prince William County Area should contact the Outreach Coordinator at
(703) 221-4460 ext 17.
Batterers Intervention Program
Education classes for men who batter focus on accountability, communication, and healthy relationships. Classes are also available in Spanish. There is a fee for intervention classes. For more information on the Batterer’s Intervention Program call the Men’s Program Coordinator at (703) 221-4460 x 14. For information on the Men’s Program in Spanish please call ext 53.
Supportive Transitional Housing
A two-year transitional housing program for women and Children who are victims of domestic violence. Case management, material assistance, and support is provided to aid residents to achieve independence. For more information call 703 221-4460 x 32.
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