A ceremony on April 28 marked the 20th anniversary of Arlington County’s Project PEACE which had been launched to address domestic and sexual violence. It grew from a project with narrow decisions made by the system to a coordinated response focusing on intimate partner violence. 

LaToya Young, Project PEACE coordinator, says it was co-initiated by State Senator Barbara Favola in 2006.

“Today is a time for celebration and reflection to honor our leaders but also the survivors and partners. And to reflect on what comes next.”

She explained, “At the time we were operating as a crisis response. In early 2006 a survivor would have had to go from organization to organization to figure out what to do, and there was no follow through.  There was little coordination between agencies. Now it is more seamless.”

She explained a survivor didn’t know what programs were available to help them, and they were already in a crisis. “We wanted not just to respond but to prevent and address. 

“We developed a brochure to respond to the needs of the survivor where we outlined what programs are available —housing, shelter, legal services.

“Now we have developed a system of warm hand off. So, for instance, if a survivor is eligible to enter Doorways, we will connect them. Doorways is a community-based nonprofit providing services, shelter and supportive housing for survivors of violence and sexual assault and their families.

“We will connect them; we will also link the survivor to the police department or legal services. And we will follow up. We don’t just support them on paper or phone. We actively connect with the person and stay with them. It helps reduce their stress, too.

“But over time we have learned that survivors have complex needs, and the system needs more equity and access. There are huge barriers for people of color and the immigration culture. Culture plays a major role. Do they feel safe asking for help?”

She continues, “We also need to be sure we address system fatigue with too many entry points into the system. And we need to reduce the barriers to access—how many times they have to ask for help and make sure no one falls through the cracks.”

In 2024, representatives from each partner agency met monthly in goal groups to address immediate community needs while also identifying and reducing barriers to survivor-centered, trauma-informed support. 

“Today we are here to honor the victims we’ve lost, to make sure the survivors' experiences can be shared and have a moment to honor them. It is a reflection that we still need to grow and to listen more deeply and a moment of renewed commitment.”

Attendees included representatives from the Arlington County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Magistrate’s Office, and longtime community partners. The ceremony featured remarks by PEACE co-founder State Senator Barbara Favola. Arlington County Board Member Maureen Coffey, DHS Leadership and Project PEACE Coordinator LaToya Young.