On November 23, the Fairfax County Police Department’s Victim Services Division (VSD) organized the Radiance & Resilience event at Great Clips in Fairfax. The initiative brought together law enforcement, local businesses, and community partners to support 16 survivors of domestic violence. The event took place during Thanksgiving season and aimed to promote community support and healing.
Lori Carter, a survivor of domestic violence, opened the event by sharing her personal story. Attendees received complimentary hair, beauty, and wellness services. VSD advocates were present to provide emotional support throughout the morning. Angelique Palmer, Fairfax County Poet Laureate, concluded the program with remarks focused on hope and healing.
Detectives from the Domestic Violence Unit collaborated with VSD advocates at the event. This partnership highlighted a combined approach of investigative work and trauma-informed advocacy to ensure survivor safety and care.
Ilana Wixted, Victim Services Specialist with the Fairfax County Police Department, stated: “Survivors deserved moments where they were seen, honored, and supported. Radiance and Resilience was about so much more than beauty services—it was about restoring dignity, rebuilding confidence, and reminding each survivor that they have a community standing firmly beside them. Every partner who contributed helped create a space of warmth, respect, and empowerment.”
Local organizations contributed services for attendees. Hairstylists from Great Clips; makeup artists from Baganza Beauty Bar and DC Elite Image; skincare professionals from Lillique Training Institute and We Rest; as well as representatives from The Beautiful Movement participated in the event. Other contributors included Peet’s Coffee, Bank of America, Carlye Stottlemyer Photography, The Beautiful Movement Project, Bakery Museum and Company, Tous Les Jours for refreshments; Paris Farms and Kewlkrizzy for flower donations; bilingual interpreters; Wondering Together counseling services; and students from Chantilly Academy Cosmetology program.
Saly Fayez, Director of FCPD’s Victim Services Division said: “We were deeply grateful for the compassion shown by every local business, volunteer, and nonprofit partner who helped make this event possible. Their generosity reflected the very best of our community. I was also incredibly proud of our Victim Services staff and Domestic Violence detectives—whose professionalism, dedication, and heart ensured survivors received exceptional support and dignity throughout the event.”
The closing remarks by Angelique Palmer emphasized empowerment through poetry. The Poet Laureate Program is administered by ArtsFairfax to engage communities via literary arts.
Domestic violence remains an issue affecting individuals across Northern Virginia. Confidential help is available through Fairfax County’s 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273 or through county Domestic & Sexual Violence Services (DSVS). National assistance can be accessed via the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Community members interested in supporting future FCPD initiatives can contact Saly Fayez at (703) 246-2141 or saly.fayez@fairfaxcounty.gov for partnership opportunities.
Information on joining FCPD is available on their website. Residents can also register their cameras with Connect Fairfax County to assist investigations.
For updates or more information about FCPD activities or events related to public safety or victim support programs in Fairfax County visit their blog or follow @FairfaxCountyPD on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook or Instagram.
