Junior League of Washington, DC

Description

SAVE THE DATE: September 14-18, 2026

The Junior League of Washington (JLW), through the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI), is dedicating time, advocacy, and resources to support survivors of intimate partner and domestic violence across the DMV.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic violence remain urgent, deeply harmful issues in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area (DMV). According to DC SAFE, more than 32,000 domestic violence-related calls were made to the Metropolitan Police Department over the past year, averaging nearly 90 calls per day. Survivors–especially women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities of color–face disproportionate barriers to safety, stability, and long‑term healing. Rising housing costs, financial insecurity, and limited access to trauma‑informed services make it even harder for survivors to leave unsafe environments and rebuild their lives.

Why this focus? 

Because safety, stability, and autonomy are essential to building healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities—and every survivor deserves access to the resources that make them possible.

The 2026 Campaign

Mark your calendars: September 14-18, 2026

This year’s LBDI campaign intentionally precedes Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October), positioning JLW Advocates to kick off a season of awareness, education, and survivor support across the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Launching in September–a month that often brings increased household stress, financial strain, and transitions that can heighten IPV risk–helps ensure survivors have access to critical resources before demand spikes in the fall and winter.

From September 14–18, 2026, LBDI Advocates will raise funds for JLW’s Community Assistance Fund Grants, which have invested more than $200,000 since 2020 in local organizations addressing urgent needs, including survivor safety, housing stability, trauma‑informed care, and emergency support.

Together, we can help ensure that more survivors have access to the resources, dignity, and safety they deserve.

For any questions, please email us at littleblackdress@jlw.org.