Domestic and sexual violence is still far too prevalent in society. It has a direct impact on every aspect of life and impacts all socio-economic levels, cultures, and religions. Perhaps one of the more tragic aspects is the emotional and psychological effect it has on children.

The available data highlights the impact of these crimes in Virginia. In 2023, there were 72,831 calls to The Statewide Hotline for Domestic and Sexual violence from across the state. A total of 5,700 adults and children received 230,759 nights of emergency or temporary shelter due to domestic violence. In 2023 domestic violence and sexual assault agencies provided in-person advocacy to 28,814 adults and children, and more 3000 prevention strategies were implemented in schools and communities.(*1)

In 2023 and 2024, Virginia focused on providing tools and resources to prosecutors, law enforcement officers, victim advocates, health care providers, and social service providers. State, local, and private partners also promoted public awareness and prevention campaigns to raise awareness and steer victims toward community resources.

In addition, state, local, and private partners continue to serve the Commonwealth by providing assistance, advocacy, counseling, shelter, etc. for victims of domestic and sexual violence and resource trainings for allied professionals and stakeholders. For example:

• In CY2023-24, The Commonwealth’s Attorney Services Council (CASC) designated a sexual and domestic violence resource prosecutor who organized and implemented over 80 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) credit for Virginia’s prosecutors on issues related to the investigation and prosecution of domestic and sexual violence and stalking cases. That training included four hours of training specifically focused on ethical issues that arise in the investigation and prosecution of these cases. She also facilitated over 30 hours of in-service PIC credit training to officers in the area of domestic violence and sexual assault.(*2)

• In CY 2024, The Office of the Attorney (OAG) Victim Notification/Victim Services Team provided services and support to 694 victims and/or witnesses of a broad range of crimes. Of those victims of crime, 26% accounted for domestic and sexual violence cases, 23% were child victims of sexual abuse/assault, 14% were adult victims of sexual assault, 2% were child pornography victims, and 26% were victims of domestic and/or family violence.(*3)

• The Office of the Executive Secretary for the Supreme Court of Virginia (OES) in 2024 conducted a total of 10 trainings involving protective orders that were delivered or are scheduled to be delivered to clerks of court before the end of the year 2024. Eight were in-person trainings and two were virtual. A total of 531 clerks of court have received training or will be trained, including 302 circuit court clerks, 126 general district court clerks, and 103 juvenile and domestic relations district court clerks.(*4)

• In FY24, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund (FACT) supported Richmond Residential Services Inc. and the Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham to become Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP) Certified Centers for Abuse Prevention and Safety (C-CAPS).(*5) Developed in collaboration between Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) School of Social Work and the Partnership for People with Disabilities, LEAP provides training on healthy relationships and information about preventing abuse to adults with disabilities. The training takes place in four, face-to-face 90-minute sessions that are taught by trainer with a disability and a co-trainer.(*6)

In addition, these agencies and organizations identified and collected data on family and intimate partner violence-related fatalities, domestic and sexual violence-related crimes, protective orders, and services to victims and children to assist with providing a broader picture of these issues that confront our communities. Much of that information is included in this report.

We must continue to support the efforts of agencies and programs across the Commonwealth that work tirelessly to promote victim safety and offender accountability, while learning new ways to provide services both efficiently and effectively.
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(*1) Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, Domestic Violence Services in Virginia– VA data Report.
(*2) Information provided by the Commonwealth’s Attorney Council.
(*3) Information provided by the Office of the Attorney General.
(*4) Information provided by the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), Supreme Court of Virginia.
(*5) The Family and Children’s Trust Fund (FACT) is a public-private partnership created to raise funds for family violence prevention efforts ( https://www.fact.virginia.gov/).
(*6) Information provided by The Family and Children’s Trust Fund (FACT).