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1. What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors, used by one individual intended to exert power and control over another individual, in the context of an intimate relationship. Learn more about domestic violence.

2. What is a safety plan?

A safety plan is a personalized, practical strategy to assist an individual in avoiding dangerous situations, yet prepare an individual to knowing how to best react if dangerous situations occur. Plans can be developed for individuals remaining in abusive relationships, or ending the relationship. Learn more about how to safety plan.

3. What is a protective order?

A protective order is a document issued by a magistrate or a court to help you protect yourself, your children and other family or household members from someone who is hurting you or causing you fear. Learn more about protective orders.

4. Can a member of the Chesterfield Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center speak to my organization?

The Chesterfield Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center provides the following support to the County and the community at large:

• Education, awareness and outreach
• Technical assistance and case consultation for County professionals
• Training to educational institutions, County personnel, and the community

Please contact the Resource Center with questions.

5. Why do victims stay?

In addition to the fear many victims of abuse experience, abusive relationships are often complicated. Read more about why victims stay.

6. Can an abuser change?

While all individuals can change, they should want the change to occur. An unwilling or uninterested individual cannot be forced to change. Change must be intrinsic, and can be difficult as behaviors are learned. Learn more about abusers.

7. Are the Chesterfield Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center and the Chesterfield Domestic Violence Task Force, Inc. the same organization?

No. Although the Chesterfield Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center provides oversight of the Chesterfield Domestic Violence Task Force, Inc., they are separate entities.

The Chesterfield Domestic Violence Task Force, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization, comprised of agencies and concerned citizens dedicated to providing leadership in preventing and responding to domestic violence in our community. Please contact the Chesterfield Domestic Violence Task Force, Inc. with questions.

8. What is the difference between the Chesterfield Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center and the Chesterfield Victim/Witness Assistance?

Chesterfield Victim/Witness is available to assist all types of victims and witnesses of crime, who are involved in the criminal justice process. The Chesterfield Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center assists victims of domestic and/or sexual violence, and stalking, whether they are involved in the criminal justice process or not. Both offices work closely to provide comprehensive services to victims of violence. View more information about the services we offer.

9. Does the Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center accept financial donations?

Yes, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center accepts financial donations. Checks should be payable to “Treasurer Chesterfield County”, with “CCS - DSVRC” indicated on the memo line. Please mail donations to:
CCS - DSVRC
P.O. Box 40
Chesterfield, VA 23832

Please contact the Resource Center with questions.