Domestic Violence in Virginia

15 verified resources.

About Domestic Violence for Fathers

Domestic violence resources for men have grown significantly over the past decade. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) accepts calls from any gender, and the Stop Abusive and Violent Environments (SAVE) helpline and ManKind Initiative are dedicated to male victims. Every state has a coalition against domestic violence, and most cities have shelters — though male-specific shelter capacity remains limited. Men can obtain protective orders in family court, request supervised visitation, and work with victim advocates attached to local prosecutor offices. For fathers falsely accused of domestic violence during custody disputes, a criminal defense attorney or family law attorney with DV experience is critical. This directory includes national hotlines, state coalitions, men's shelters where available, and protective order resources.

Domestic Violence in Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

15 Resources

1. Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance — Free

Statewide coalition coordinating domestic violence services across Virginia. Operates the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-838-8238, available 24/7 in English and Spanish. The alliance supports local DV organizations with training, resources, and policy advocacy. If you or someone you know needs help, call the hotline for a confidential referral to local shelter and services anywhere in Virginia.

804-377-0335 · 1118 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220 · Office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Hotline 24/7 · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local Virginia shelters and DV programs in over 200 languages. Advocates can help with safety planning, understanding options, and connecting to local resources. Also available via online chat at thehotline.org. This is a national line that serves all Virginia residents. Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for immediate confidential support.

1-800-799-7233 · National (serves all Virginia residents) · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Doorways for Women and Families (Northern VA) — Free

Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and comprehensive support services for DV survivors and homeless families in Arlington and Northern Virginia. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual therapy, children's programming, and housing navigation. All services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Call the 24-hour hotline at 703-237-0881 or contact the office Monday through Friday for non-emergency inquiries.

703-237-0881 · P.O. Box 100185, Arlington, VA 22210 · 24-hour hotline; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. YWCA of Richmond - Women's Advocacy Program — Free

Offers emergency shelter, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, and children's programs for DV survivors in the greater Richmond area. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, safety planning, and transitional housing assistance. All services are free and confidential. Call the 24-hour crisis hotline at 804-643-0888 to access shelter or speak with an advocate. Office-based services are available by appointment Monday through Friday.

804-643-0888 · 6 N 5th St, Richmond, VA 23219 · 24-hour crisis hotline; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. HER Shelter (Norfolk/Virginia Beach) — Free

Provides safe shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's services for DV survivors in the South Hampton Roads region including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, safety planning, and support groups. All services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Call the 24-hour hotline at 757-485-3384 to access shelter or connect with an advocate.

757-485-3384 · P.O. Box 1469, Norfolk, VA 23501 · 24-hour crisis hotline; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Shelter for Help in Emergency (Charlottesville) — Free

Serves DV survivors in Charlottesville and Albemarle County with emergency shelter, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, safety planning, children's programming, and housing assistance. All services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Call the 24-hour crisis hotline at 434-293-8509 to access emergency shelter or speak with an advocate at any time. Office-based services available during business hours.

434-293-8509 · P.O. Box 3013, Charlottesville, VA 22903 · 24-hour crisis hotline; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Legal Aid Justice Center - DV Services — Free

Free legal representation and advocacy for low-income DV survivors across Virginia, including protective order petitions, custody proceedings, immigration relief, and housing stability. Income eligibility required. Attorneys also handle immigration cases for survivors seeking special visa status. Located in Charlottesville with regional offices. Contact during business hours to apply for legal services. Priority given to survivors facing immediate safety threats or housing instability.

434-977-0553 · 1000 Preston Ave, Suite A, Charlottesville, VA 22903 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Virginia Legal Aid Society - DV Advocacy — Free

Free civil legal services for DV survivors across central and southern Virginia, including protective order petitions, divorce proceedings, custody matters, and housing stability. Income eligibility required. Call the intake line or the statewide LawLine at 866-534-5243 to apply for services. Staff can assist with safety planning and connect survivors to local shelter resources as well. Office located in Lynchburg with services extending to surrounding central Virginia counties.

434-200-6047 · 513 Church St, Lynchburg, VA 24504 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. YWCA South Hampton Roads – DV Services — Free

DV shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy for the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area. Services include emergency shelter placement, crisis intervention, individual counseling, legal advocacy for protective orders, and children's programs. A 24/7 crisis hotline is available for immediate support. Call 757-625-4248 any time to speak with an advocate. All services are free and confidential for qualifying DV survivors in the South Hampton Roads region.

757-625-4248 · Norfolk, VA (confidential) · Hotline 24/7 · Visit Website

10. SafeHouse – Staunton/Valley — Free

DV shelter and support services for the Shenandoah Valley including Augusta, Rockingham, and Highland counties. SafeHouse provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling, safety planning, legal advocacy, and children's services to DV survivors. All services are free and confidential. The 24/7 crisis hotline at 540-886-6800 is available at any time for immediate support. Shelter location is confidential for safety. Referrals accepted from courts, hospitals, and self-referral.

540-886-6800 · Staunton, VA (confidential) · Hotline 24/7 · Visit Website

11. 1in6 – Support for Male Survivors — Free

National helpline and resource organization for men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault at any point in their lives. 1in6 provides free and confidential online chat support, a 24/7 helpline option, educational resources, and referrals to local therapists who specialize in male trauma survivors. The name references the statistic that 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse. Visit 1in6.org to access live chat support or browse resources anytime.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

12. MaleSurvivor — Free

National community and resource organization for male survivors of sexual abuse and assault. MaleSurvivor provides online peer support forums, a searchable directory of therapists who specialize in working with male trauma survivors, and educational materials for survivors and their families. All online resources are free and accessible 24/7 without registration. Visit malesurvivor.org to access community support, find a therapist, or learn more about healing from trauma.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

13. ACTS Helpline – Fredericksburg DV — Free

DV crisis line and comprehensive services for the Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and surrounding region. ACTS provides emergency shelter, crisis intervention, safety planning, legal advocacy, and support groups for DV survivors. The 24/7 crisis hotline at 540-373-9373 is available at any time for immediate support. All services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Contact by phone or visit the website to learn about current services and shelter availability.

540-373-9373 · Fredericksburg, VA · Hotline 24/7 · Visit Website

14. CONNECT – Northern Virginia DV Services — Free

Crisis services for Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park including emergency shelter, crisis counseling, safety planning, and legal advocacy for DV survivors. The 24/7 crisis hotline at 703-221-4951 provides immediate support. All services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Contact CONNECT to inquire about shelter availability, counseling services, and other support programs for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.

703-221-4951 · Prince William County, VA · Hotline 24/7

15. Crisis Text Line – VA DV Support — Free

Free 24/7 text-based crisis support for DV survivors and anyone in distress. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text message. No phone call required, making it ideal for situations where speaking aloud is not safe. Response time is typically under 5 minutes. Available to anyone in Virginia at no cost. Useful when calling a hotline is not possible due to proximity to an abusive partner or other safety concerns.

Text HOME to 741741 · 24/7 · Visit Website

Domestic Violence — Common Questions

Can men be victims of domestic violence?
Yes — roughly 1 in 9 men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) and ManKind Initiative serve male victims. Stigma is a major barrier, but the legal protections (protective orders, DV charges) are available to men in every state.
What if I'm falsely accused?
Take it seriously even if untrue. Consult a criminal or family law attorney immediately; don't speak to police or the accuser without counsel. Document your whereabouts, witnesses, communications. Most protective orders can be challenged at a full evidentiary hearing within 10–21 days of initial issuance.
How do I get a protective order?
File a petition at your county's family court or civil court — no attorney required. Temporary ex parte orders can issue same-day; a full hearing typically follows within two to three weeks. Court self-help centers and DV advocates help fill out forms at no cost.
Are there shelters for men?
Male-specific DV shelter capacity is limited but exists in some cities (through organizations like Valor, ManKind, and certain state coalitions). Most DV agencies will arrange hotel placement or referral to emergency shelter for male victims when shelter-specific housing isn't available.