NOVACares provides information for local emergency shelter for homeless community members. There are several options for housing in NOVA such as, off-campus housing, Arlington County Assistance Bureau, and Alternative House to name a few. For more information on homeless housing in Virginia please visit http://www.nvcc.edu/support/_files/HOMELESS-SHELTER-REFERRAL-LIST.pdf. If you or someone you know is homeless and you are seeking guidance submit an online report at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?NorthernVirginiaCC
Category Archives: Resources
Managing Election Stress: Tips from the JED Foundation
Managing Election Stress
November 9, 2016
Many people have found the recent political campaigns and election to be dramatic and emotionally challenging. If you are experiencing distress or heightened stress here are some things you can do to help feel better:
Stick to your routine:
Maintaining your regular schedule of activities and taking care of your usual responsibilities can help engage you and reestablish a sense of normalcy and regularity.
Take care of yourself:
You will feel better if you get enough sleep, eat properly and get regular exercise.
Engage in pleasurable and meaningful activities:
Take some time to do something you usually enjoy-take a walk, go to a movie, spend time with friends. Doing activities that help or support others can increase your sense of well-being and enhance your optimism.
Limit your social media time:
Constantly checking news feeds or other social media can increase your tension. Set aside specific times to check news and social media. Too much time online also can interfere with getting enough sleep.
Limit substance use:
Drinking or partying to feel better might seem to help in the very short run but will leave you feeling depleted and lower.
Limit political debate and argument:
It’s important to stay engaged and informed in the political process and the news – but keep it in balance. If it is stressing you out, then let some time pass or take a break.
Spend time with supportive friends and family:
Being with people who care about you can help you feel safe and protected.
If you have tried these steps and are still feeling very stressed, down or despairing, you should consider getting help from a mental health professional. Check out your school counseling service or speak to your healthcare provider or a trusted adult to get connected to care.
If you are feeling like you need immediate help, text “start” to 741-741.
If you are feeling as if you or someone you know is in immediate danger of self-harm, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
https://www.jedfoundation.org/managing-election-stress/
TIP OF THE WEEK: Veteran Support Resources
TIP OF THE WEEK: NOVACares is committed to providing services for our veteran students and their families by ensuring they have access to support to inspire student success. Virginia Veteran & Family Support (VVFS), formerly known as the Wounded Warriors Program, provides each campus with peer specialists who can meet with students individually on or off campus. For information about veteran support groups, click the link below http://www.ptsd.va.gov/…/treat…/cope/peer_support_groups.asp. To visit our website go to http://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/program/index.html
Tip of the Week: Stress Management
NOVACares offers several resources for members of the NOVA community. If you are having a hard time managing your stress, you can visit our website http://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/program/index.html , and click on the “Stress Management” tab. There, you will find helpful tips to manage stress, and useful links on more information. Click below to try out our deep-breathing exercise. http://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/_img/tumblr_nexv126czE1ql82o1o1_500.gif
Tip of the Week: Unhealthy Relationships
Are you in a Healthy or Unhealthy Relationship? Does your partner:
• Call you names, insults and threatens you?
• Criticizes constantly?
• Damages or destroys your things?
• Checks up on you or makes you check in constantly?
• Doesn’t let you see friends and family or go anywhere/ do anything without him or her?
If yes, you may be in an unhealthy relationship. For more information visit http://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/sas/dating.html and for assistance contact NOVA Sexual Assault Services (SAS) for free confidential support at 703.338.0834 or email nova.sas@nvcc.edu.
Tip of the Week #4. 9/16: U-Life Line a Resource for the NOVA Community
Tip of the Week 9/16
• U-Lifeline is a free online resource for college mental health. This resources gives information on a variety of issues such as alcohol and drug usage, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, emotional health, schizophrenia, stress and suicidal behavior. For the Crisis text line Text START to 741-741, for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for immediate help. For more information visit http://www.ulifeline.org/nvcc/
Tip of the Week #2 (9.2.16)
TIP OF THE WEEK #2 (9.2.16): NOVACares is the college’s “See something, Say something” program where if you see any concerning behavior, you can submit an online report: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?NorthernVirginiaCC
Concerning behavior can be anything from feeling overly stressed to a change in attitude or personality of any member of the NOVA community. Reports can be submitted anytime and trained NOVACares responders will follow up with reports to maintain a safe community. To learn more about the NOVACares program visit www.nvcc.edu/novacares/ or email: NOVACares@nvcc.edu
Professional Sports Leagues Respond to Domestic Violence
October 2, 2015: Professional Sports Leagues Respond to Domestic Violence
DVAM:
Did You Know?
Did you know that each of the major professional sports leagues in our country have policies and services to respond to domestic violence, whether their players are victimized or perpetrate violence?
MLB (Major League Baseball): The most recent league to implement a policy, MLB’s is a comprehensive response that includes investigation and discipline for current offenses, treatment and intervention for both the victim and the offender, and regular prevention education.
NBA (National Basketball Association): Domestic violence convictions are handled under the league’s rules about “Unlawful Violence” – players are immediately suspended for a minimum of 10 games, must get a clinical evaluation and attend counseling sessions. Additionally, NBA union officials said players already receive [prevention] training at least one year before they join the basketball league.
NFL (National Football League): The NFL’s policy, announced in December 2014, includes developing critical response teams for each team as well as prevention education programming for youth in football programs.
NHL (National Hockey League): Officials said they meet with players annually to discuss conduct and conduct and determine responses to domestic violence on a case-by-case basis.
Sources: Click on the hyperlinks above for more information.
What can we do?
Get Educated!
o Watch the NFL’s Call to Coaches video
o Read this research overview on engaging men and boys and this research on how to mobilize men and boys as allies
Promote implementation of primary prevention programs such as:
o Coaching Boys into Men
o Teach Early
Attend George Mason University’s Healthy Masculinity workshop on 10/28.
Use social media to spread the word!
o DVAM: Did you know that all major professional sports leagues have policies in place to respond to #DomesticViolence? Let’s take their lead and promote prevention efforts, such as Teach Early, in youth sports leagues here in #FairfaxCounty. #DVAM2015 #LookAgain
o DYK we can help stop #domesticviolence through youth prevention efforts, such as #TeachEarly. #DVAM2015 #FairfaxCounty #LookAgain
[Go to: http://teachearly.org/, when you scroll down the page, social media links will pop up on the left.]
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)! Each business day in October, we send out a “DVAM: Did You Know?” highlighting interesting research findings and statistics or best practices in preventing and responding to domestic violence. Please share with your friends, family members, community groups, and colleagues.
October 1, 2015: Look Again at Domestic Violence in Fairfax County
DVAM:
Did You Know?
Did you know that every day in Fairfax County we respond to two people who are at high risk for homicide or serious physical injury at the hands of the person they love?
The Fairfax County Police Department has teamed up with the Fairfax County Office for Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Artemis House (Shelter House, Inc.), Bethany House of Northern Virginia, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and the Victim Services Section of the FCPD to better predict and, ultimately, prevent serious injury and homicide from happening.
On July 1, 2015, those agencies started the Lethality Assessment Program. In the first two months of the program, over half (54%) of all domestic violence cases screened by FCPD were high-danger.
Of those cases, victims reported serious lethality risks, such as:
1. 33% reported the presence of a firearm in the home (or easy access to one)
The presence of a firearm makes it 5 times more like domestic violence will turn into murder.*
2. 55% reported stalking victimization (the offender following or spying on them or leaving threatening messages)
Nationally, 76% of femicide victims were stalked prior to their murder.
3. 64% reported a history of strangulation (often referred to as ‘choking’)
Strangulation is a serious crime that often leaves no visible injuries, even though it can create temporary or permanent brain damage in as little as 30 seconds.
A victim of domestic violence with a history of strangulation has a 800% increased risk of homicide.
*J. C. Campbell, D; Webster, J; Koziol-McLain, C. R; et al. 2003. Risk Factors For Femicide in Abusive Relationships: Results From A Multi-Site Case Control Study. American Journal of Public Health. 93(7). Accessed from: http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/userfiles/file/Children_and_Families/Guns.pdf
** Judith McFarlane et al., “Stalking and Intimate Partner Femicide,” Homicide Studies 3, no. 4 (1999).] More at: http://www.victimsofcrime.org/docs/src/stalking-fact-sheet_english.pdf
*** Jacquelyn C. Campbell, Daniel Webster, Jane Koziol-McLain, et al. “Risk Factors for Femicide in Abusive Relationships: Results from a Multisite Case Control Study.” American Journal of Public Health, Volume 93, No. 7 (July 2003) 1089-1097. A study of 300 cases of strangulation survivors conducted by the San Diego City Attorney’s Office revealed that in 50% of the cases there were no visible markings to the neck and 35 % had only minor injuries (Strack, McClane & Hawley, 2001).
Info: http://www.janedoe.org/site/assets/docs/Learn_More/DV_Homicide/JDI_MediaGuide_Strangulation.pdf
What can we do?
Let’s change those statistics! Educating ourselves and our community members is a good first start:
o Join us for a media event today at 1:30pm at the Historic Courthouse: https://fcpdnews.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/preventing-domestic-violence-homicide/!
o Use social media to spread the word! Post or tweet responsible media articles (like any on the LAP press release above) on the subject or simple facts about the issue. Find sample posts and tweets like these each day in the DVAM Did you Know? this month:
o DVAM: Did you know that #domesticviolence is a leading cause of homicide in Fairfax County? DV-related homicides are predictable and preventable. Please help spread the word that services and support are available. For help, call Fairfax County’s 24-hour Hotline: 703-360-7273.
o DYK #DomesticViolence is a leading cause of homicide in #FairfaxCounty? Help is available: 703-360-7273 (24 HR) #DVAM2015 #LookAgain http://bit.ly/ffxdv
o Start a conversation! Everyone can speak out against domestic violence. You may be the safest person for a family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker to talk to. Check out these tips:
o What to say when you think someone is being abused
o What to say if you suspect someone is using abusive behavior
Sandy Bromley, JD
Fairfax County-Wide Domestic Violence Coordinator
Office: (703) 324-9494 Cell: (571) 215-2429
Community Events & Resources: www.fairfaxdvcommunity.org
Fairfax County Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC)
Web: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/domesticviolence/dvac/
Information & Intake Line: (703) 246-4573
Fairfax County Office for Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
Web: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofw
24-hour Hotline: (703) 360-7273
TODAY ONLY: Vote for Access Hope in WTOP’s Contest – Click for a cause!
CLICK TODAY: Http://wtop.com/click-for-a-cause VOTE FOR ACCESS HOPE
Please click like for Access Hope in this contest sponsored by WTOP. Access Hope provides free mental health counseling to NOVA Students without insurance.
“I am a board member of Access Hope and the organization is participating in WTOP’s Click for A Cause. Just by selecting “Like” under the Access Hope blurb, you can help us win up to $12,000, which we can really use! No money out of your pocket – just a click of a button. 🙂
Please follow this link and look up Access Hope under “A” and click the Like button. And, if you feel so inclined, please share!
Thank you!
WTOP is giving away cash to your favorite charity! Let everyone know that you support ACCESS HOPE by VOTING today at Http://wtop.com/click-for-a-cause. Please share with your friends & family! It’s free, easy and could win us $12,000 to help us create partnerships to provide free mental health services to the under-served.
Everyone can cut and paste this blurb to send out to as many people as possible. Thanks so much!
Have a great weekend!
Michelle”