Domestic Violence Assistance

If you are being hurt and feel that you are in immediate danger: Call 9-1-1

	Click the envelope to send an email message to the Domestic Violence Coordinator
	If you would like to speak to the Domestic Violence Coordinator, call 804-501-5732. If no one answers leave a message and she will return your call.

What to expect if you call the police ...

1. The law enforcement officer who responds to your call for help may request an emergency protective order over the phone. It lasts 72 hours or until the next court day, whichever comes first.

2. If the officer has probable cause to believe assault and battery has occurred, the officer will arrest the abuser.

3. A warrant is a legal order authorizing a law enforcement officer to make an arrest. It is based on a sworn statement about what happened.

4. You do not have to be physically injured to apply for a warrant. A warrant can be issued for threats, stalking, property damage, or trespassing.

5. If a warrant is issued, the abuser will be arrested and charged with a crime.

6. If you do not wish to apply for a warrant, you may ask for a civil protective order from the magistrate or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Intake Office in your community.

7. Protective orders may order the abuser to stay away from you and stop assaulting you.

8. The order is only effective if it has been served on the abuser.

9. The abuser may be released after the arrest. If released, find out from the jail or magistrate if there are any conditions of release.

Warning signs of an abusive relationship! (PDF File)

Remember: You are not alone. You do not deserve to be abused. There are steps you can take to find help using the resources on this and other web sites. Click HERE for more options .

 

I believe I may be a domestic violence victim. What can I do?

• Inquire about a protective order.
• Develop a plan to get yourself and your children to safety.
• Call your local domestic violence program for help with developing your plan.
• Ask for help from a trusted friend, co-worker, neighbor, or relative.
• Join a support group.
• Find a counselor that you can trust and openly talk with.
• Learn about the local resources that can help you.

I think that sometimes I may be abusive towards those I love. How can I get help?

There are many ways to control your aggression. First, here are a few simple steps that you need to be aware of and follow. Review this plan when you are calm, cool and collected, and there is no desire or opportunity to become aggressive:

• Be aware of and do not ignore the warning signs. When you recognize the warning signs - STOP – and step back from any aggressive feelings. Being aware of your warning signs will help you monitor your own behavior so that you can consciously make alternative choices to violence.
• Do not use drugs, alcohol, drive, or talk to family or friends when you feel frustrated, angry, or threatened.
• If you cannot deal with a potentially explosive situation at that moment, walk away, leave the house and take time-out. Take a walk for one hour. Going away from the situation can cool you down and give you time to think about alternative ways to resolve the conflict.
• Seek help from a counselor or attend a batterer intervention program.
  • Henrico County Mental Health 727-8500
  • Commonwealth Catholic Charities 285-5900
  • Domestic Violence Interventions 355-6341
  • Frank Manners and Associates 672-8390

I think I may know someone who is being abused. How can I help?

• Ask direct questions gently. Give her/him time to talk.
• Listen carefully. Believe him/her and let them know that the violence is not their fault.
• Explain that domestic violence is not okay, and there is no excuse for it. Let her/him know that, despite promises from the partner, the violence will probably continue and may get worse.
• Reinforce her/his concern for children in the relationship. Reach out to the children and provide support for them as well.
• Encourage her/him to plan ahead for her/his safety and for the children’s safety before another incident takes place.
• Support her/his rights to make her/his own decisions.
• Learn about local domestic violence programs, and provide contact numbers to the person you think is being abused.
• Call the police if you see or hear an incident of physical abuse.

I know someone who is abusive. What can I do?

• Explain that domestic violence is not acceptable, and there is no excuse for it. Explain that many acts of abuse are crimes.
• Help the abuser identify alternative ways to handle situations. Explain that using violence is always a choice that he/she should not choose.
• Support the abuser in taking responsibility for their actions.
• Learn about batterer intervention programs, and provide contact numbers to the person that you think may be abusive.
• Call the police if you see or hear an incident of physical abuse.