Washington DC is home to an estimated 40,000 survivors of torture

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence exists across cultures and socioeconomic classes. Low-income immigrant and refugee families are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence due to a variety of factors. These include the many stressors created by poverty, cultural adjustment issues that challenge traditional roles in the culture of origin, and language or cultural barriers that may prevent victims from seeking help. Sometimes there is simply a lack of education or awareness, both at the individual and at the community level, as to what constitutes domestic violence in this country. Moreover, culturally sensitive, language-appropriate services are in short supply, making it extremely difficult for these victims to receive the help they need.

The certified Batterer’s Intervention Program provides court-ordered classes in Spanish to men who have physically abused their partners, while the Hispanic Women’s Support Group offers information, emotional support and additional service referrals to victims of domestic and sexual assault. NVFS, in partnership with the Fairfax County Office for Women & Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Services, also provides a children's group offering education and group activities to children who have witnessed domestic violence.

MHS also provides individual counseling, advocacy and case management to immigrant women who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, domestic violence. Services under the Domestic Violence Program vary according to individual circumstances; some programs require a fee, some have a sliding scale for eligible clients and some are provided free of charge.

Program components:

  • Men's State-Certified Batterer's Intervention Program (Spanish); 
  • Women's Domestic Violence Support Group (Spanish);
  • Children's group for witnesses of domestic violence;
  • Individual counseling, advocacy and case management; and
  • Community outreach and education.

For more information

Domestic Violence Flyer (English)
Domestic Violence Flyer (Spanish)
Domestic Violence Intake Line: 571.748.2818 

Who to Contact