Intimate Partner Violence/Abuse, Sexual Violence

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Domestic Violence and Battering includes behaviors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want.

It includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation. Violence against women and children has lifelong impacts on the health and well-being of survivors, families, communities, and nations.

Learn the multiple forms of abuse, how you can identify a situation close to home or out in public, and how to intervene so that you can make a difference in your family, with friends, and with those in your community. Most of us want to help but are just not sure what we can do!

Follow our Roadmap for a step by step guide you can work through at you own pace to get started!

1 in 4 women will be victims of domestic violence or abuse in their lifetime.

-CDC, 2017

If you or someone know know is a victim of abuse, please call The National Domestic Abuse Hotline at: 

1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

LEARN - TAKE ACTION

The information below will give you a strong foundation on this issue.

  1. LoveIsRespect.org
    Learn how to empower people to prevent and end abusive relationships. 

    Visit: About Dating, Warning Signs of Abuse and Types of Abuse. Familiarize yourself with the different types of abuse. Read Healthy Relationships.

  2. D2L.org
    Darkness to Light - Empower yourself to prevent child sexual abuse.

    Read: Take Action, Understanding the Issue, The Statistics, The Impact and Red Flag Behaviors.

  3. Last, But Not Least!
    Add The Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) to your phone. If you have this number already, invite someone to add it to their contacts!

LOCAL PARTNERS

If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic violence, our partners can help.

  • RICHMOND, VA - Safe Harbor provides the support that survivors of violence and human trafficking need.

  • The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting PEACE, JUSTICE, FREEDOM, and DIGNITY for all.

  • CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The Shelter for Help in Emergency works to support and empower victims of domestic violence through a combination of residential, community-based and outreach services.

    With 16 positions for a staff of 22 full and part-time employees, and the benefit of over 5,000 volunteer hours per year, the Shelter for Help in Emergency provides services to over 400 adults and children annually.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Safe Horizon
Established in 1978, Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. They touch the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Safe Horizon partners with governmental and other community agencies and also advocates for policies on a local, state, and national level on behalf of those affected by violence and abuse.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Callers to The Hotline can expect highly trained, experienced advocates to offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information, educational services and referral services in more than 200 languages. Visitors to this site can find information about domestic violence, online instructional materials, safety planning, local resources and ways to support the organization.

National Child Abuse Hotline/Childhelp
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the U.S. and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who—through interpreters—provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential.

National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is an American nonprofit anti-sexual assault organization, the largest in the United States. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, as well as the Department of Defense Safe Helpline, and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice through victim services, public education, public policy, and consulting services.