Resources
Support, Tools, and Information for Survivors, Professionals, and Communities
We provide a wide range of resources to support survivors of sexual and domestic violence, the people who care about them, and the professionals and communities working to prevent violence and promote safety across Virginia.
Whether you are looking for immediate support, guidance for helping someone else, or tools to strengthen prevention and response efforts, the resources below are designed to be accessible, trauma-informed, and grounded in best practices.
These resources are designed to support survivors of sexual and domestic violence and the people who care about them. You’ll find information to help navigate options, understand rights, and connect with support, whether you are experiencing harm yourself or supporting someone you love. Topics include:
- Understanding sexual and domestic violence
- Safety planning and support options
- Navigating systems such as housing, healthcare, and legal services
- Supporting survivors in respectful, survivor-centered ways
If you’d like to talk with a trained advocate, free and confidential help is available by call, text, or chat—no immediate crisis required.
Chat with an advocate (works best on a computer or tablet)
Text an advocate: 804.793.9999
Call an advocate: 1.800.838.8238 (interpretation available in 200+ languages)
PREA Reporting Hotline: 1.855.602.7001 (follow the prompts)
Resources
Below you can find written resources that you may view online or print out and share with others.
About Sexual Assault
About Intimate Partner Violence
Using the Legal System:
Protective Orders in Virginia: A booklet that thoroughly and plainly describes Virginia’s Protective Order process. Also includes information about Protective Orders for teen dating violence, and guidance for the Lesbian/Gay/Bi-Sexual/Transgender (LGBT) Community. (revised 2022)
I-CAN! Virginia’s Online Forms Completion System for Protective Orders. This website helps to understand and fill out the application for a protective order. Information is available in English and Spanish.
Caregivers—including parents, guardians, educators, mentors, and trusted adults—play a vital role in prevention, safety, and healing. These resources are designed to help caregivers build skills, respond thoughtfully, and support people of all ages who may be impacted by violence.
Resources
These resources are intended for advocates, service providers, educators, policymakers, and allied professionals working to prevent and respond to sexual and domestic violence across Virginia.
You’ll find tools and information related to:
- Survivor-centered advocacy and response
- Prevention strategies and community engagement
- Training, capacity building, and professional development
- Policy, systems change, and research-informed practices
Many of these materials are shaped by survivor voices and the lived expertise of advocates working in communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Online Resources
The Community Solutions to Sexual and Domestic Violence site, also known as “Community Defined Solutions” is an online resource clearinghouse of information for professionals in Virginia working to address, prevent, and eradicate sexual and intimate partner violence. The resources provided are designed to help enhance community response to sexual and domestic violence using promising practices and trauma-informed work. Information can be searched by
Quick Exit Buttons & Online Safety: What to Know
Many websites about domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking include a “quick exit” or “leave this site” button to quickly change what appears on your screen if someone is nearby. These buttons do not erase browser history or hide activity if your device or internet use is being monitored.
Other safety tips:
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Using a different device the person has never accessed is the safest option when possible.
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Sign out of shared accounts (such as Google or Facebook) before browsing.
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Use private or incognito browsing and adjust browser history settings when available.
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Delete browser history only if it feels safe to do so.
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Videos, links, and downloads may still appear in account or device histories (such as viewing history or Downloads folders).
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Consider using a VPN for an added layer of privacy.
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Visit NNEDV’s Technology Safety & Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors for additional guidance.
Internet Safety Brochures:
The Quarterly Dispatch is the Action Alliance’s quarterly Trainings and Resources newsletter, sharing upcoming trainings, learning opportunities, and practical resources to support advocates, practitioners, and partners across Virginia. Subscribe to the Quarterly Dispatch or any of our other newsletters to stay engaged with the work strengthening responses to sexual and domestic violence statewide.