Domestic Violence Services

How this program helps people

The Office of Family Violence funds state and local domestic violence programs to provide critical services for survivors and their children. Annually, more than 20,000 families receive support through the supported programs.

Funding (approximately 84% federal and 16% state) supports direct services to families, primary prevention programming, operations of local domestic violence programs, statewide data collection, training, and technical assistance.

Safety planning is a service provided by an advocate to determine options and resources available to help victims stay safe.

Data Notes

Victims Denied for Lack of Bed Space: Represents the number of victims unable to gain shelter at the time of their request. Children are not included in this number.
Total Nights of Shelter Provided: Includes both victims and their children.
Starting in SFY 2021, CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) and ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding is reported. VDSS received CARES Act funding to support local domestic violence agencies during the early days of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Funds were distributed to currently funded sub-recipients through contract modifications during SFY 21. VDSS received ARPA funds to support local domestic violence agencies during the ongoing period of time in which local domestic violence agencies were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds were distributed to local domestic violence agencies through contract modifications in SFY 22. The remaining funds were awarded in FY24 through competitive applications. The ARPA fund period ended on September 30, 2025.

Data Sources

Division of Family Services - Office of Family Violence Program staff
Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Data Collection System (http://vadata.org)

Domestic Violence Services