- Domestic Violence Protective Orders
- Stalking/Serious Bodily Injury Protective Orders
- Separate waiting rooms
- Court accompaniment
- Safety planning
- Danger Assessment
- Information for sexual assault victims
- Information for domestic violence victims
- Information for stalking victims
- Information for homicide survivors
- Referrals to community services
Safety Planning
In addition to the safety suggestions listed on the below website, please: Vary your schedule by 10-30 minutes so that you are not as accessible to the perpetrator; Make a copy of your car and house keys as you will never know when you need them; Keep your cell phone with you and charged at all times; And contact the police when and if there is a violation of any court orders or any problems that you may be experiencing.
National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence – Safety Planning (*Website*)
Richmond, VA YWCA – Safety Planning (*Website*)
Information for Sexual Assault Victims
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (*Website*)
LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline – (866) 356 – 6998
Information for Domestic Violence Victims
National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence (*Website*)
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services information for victims of domestic violence
Virginia Department of Health – Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention (*Website*)
LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline – (866) 356 – 6998
Information for Stalking Victims
Stalking is a crime of intimidation. Generally, stalking is defined as the willful or intentional commission of a series of acts which reasonably cause another person to fear death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury. Stalking is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A third or subsequent conviction of stalking within 5 years is a Class 6 felony.
If a warrant is issued for stalking, the victim of a stalker can seek the issuance of an Emergency Protective Order from a police officer or magistrate prohibiting the stalker from having any contact with the victim or the victim’s family or household members as well as setting such other conditions as the magistrate deems necessary to prevent continued stalking or injury to the victim and/or property.
If the subject of a protective order violates the terms of the order he/she is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and can be arrested immediately. If a person is free on bond from an arrest and he/she violates the terms of a protective order or commits a new offense, grounds would also exist to revoke the bond previously posted.
Emergency Protective Orders may be applied for by the victim or by a law enforcement officer on behalf of the victim. EPOs are good for 72 hours, however, they can be extended for up to two weeks (Preliminary Protective Orders) and ultimately up to two years (Permanent Protective Orders). Please contact the Victim/Witness Program at (804) 501 4134 to have an advocate assist you in this process.
It is a felony for any person who is the subject of a protective order to purchase or transport any firearm while the protective order is in effect.
In addition to the safety suggestions listed on the below website, please: Vary your schedule by 10-30 minutes so that you are not as accessible to the perpetrator; Make a copy of your car and house keys- you will never know when you need them; Keep your cell phone with you and charged at all times; And contact the police when and if there is a violation of any court orders or any problems that you may be experiencing.
Referrals to Community Services
National Center for Victims of Crime
Safe Harbor (*Website*)
General Information for Witnesses
Dress appropriately for court. Arrive in time to find the correct courtroom. The dockets for General District Court are posted outside each courtroom. The dockets for Circuit Court are posted on the landing between the first and second floors at the main courthouse and also at the top of the stairs. The dockets for Juvenile and Domestic Court are in the lobby of the Juvenile Courthouse. Look for the defendant’s name on the docket to find the courtroom.
