Domestic Violence & Police Response in Virginia

What survivors may expect when Virginia police respond to a DV report.

What Often Happens After Police Are Called About Relationship Harm

1. Scene Safety Steps

When police arrive at a relationship-violence call, their first focus is usually safety for everyone present, including neighbours or children nearby.

• They may separate the people involved to speak with each person privately.
• They might ask others in the home (including children) to move to another room or leave the space while they assess safety.
• They may check for visible injuries and ask about any medical needs.
• They might remove weapons or items that could be used as weapons from immediate reach.
• They may ask clear, short questions about what happened and whether anyone feels afraid to stay in the home.

2. When an Arrest May Happen

In many parts of Canada, police are encouraged or required to take action when they believe a relationship offence has occurred or someone is at ongoing risk.

• Police may arrest a person if they believe an offence was committed, even if the other person does not want charges.
• They might arrest on the spot or later (for example, after further investigation).
• Sometimes a person is released from the station the same day with conditions; other times they may be held for a bail hearing.
• Police can also choose other options, such as writing a report, applying for conditions, or referring to local supports.

3. Role of a Justice of the Peace or Magistrate

After an arrest, the person may appear before a justice of the peace, judge, or magistrate (the title depends on the province or territory). This is often called a bail hearing or first appearance.

• The court decides whether the person is released or kept in custody for now.
• The court can set conditions about where the person can go and who they can contact.
• Information from police reports, past court history, and any risk concerns may be considered.
• The focus is on managing risk while the legal process continues, not on deciding guilt or innocence at this early stage.

4. No-Contact and Other Conditions

Release or bail conditions are rules the arrested person must follow. In relationship-harm situations, they sometimes include no-contact or limited-contact terms.

• No-contact conditions may mean the person cannot call, text, email, message on social media, or contact through others, unless the court allows an exception.
• There may be a condition not to attend your home, workplace, or other locations important to you.
• Conditions can also restrict possessing weapons, using substances, or being in certain neighbourhoods.
• Changes to conditions usually need to go back through the court; police generally cannot change them on their own.

Thinking About Your Safety Around These Processes

Court and police steps can sometimes increase tension or risk after someone is released. It may help to:

• Plan where you could go if you feel unsafe, even for a short time.
• Decide which trusted people you could update about new conditions, if you choose.
• Keep copies or photos of any paperwork you are given, in a place that feels safer for you.
• Review digital safety options if you are worried about monitoring or unwanted contact online.

Recommended Articles

• Staying Safer on Phones, Email, and Social Media
• Safety Considerations if You Are in Ontario
• Housing and Shelter Safety Considerations
• Supporting Children’s Safety in the Home
• Thinking Ahead About Changing Your Situation