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1. What should I do when it happens?

- Call 911 immediately
- Run to safety outside of the place of occurrence
- Tell the police every little detail and be cooperative
- Seek medical attention as soon as practical
- Do not return home until assured that you are safe from another attack or retaliation because of report
- Cooperate with the Commonwealth's Attorney and remain truthful about the details of the offense
- Get a protective order

2. What is a protective order?

View the definition of a protective order and the three different types of protective orders on the Protective Order Information page.

3. What are the types of domestic violence cases prosecuted?

Cases of felony physical violence, misdemeanor assault and battery pursuant to Virginia Code Section 18.2-57.2, stalking, and violation of protective order where the victim is the spouse of the defendant OR the victim has cohabitated (lived) with the defendant within the last 12 months OR the victim and the defendant have a child in common. The prosecutor also handles all ancillary charges that accompany a domestic violence felony or misdemeanor.