If you are a victim of domestic violence, contact the Danville Police Department immediately by calling 9-1-1. An officer will respond and make a mandatory arrest if the facts support such an action.  The officer will also advise you about your options, including obtaining a protective order if you have reason to fear a future assault by a family or household member. Other information is readily available that will help you in these situations.

A family or household member includes:

• Spouse, regardless of whether or not you live together
• Parents, children, stepparents, and stepchildren
• Brothers and sisters
• Grandparents and grandchildren
• In-laws (if you live in the same home)
• Cohabitants (those who live together)
• Those who cohabited in the past year and their children
• Persons who have parented a child together even if they have never lived together

Emergency protective orders can be obtained by a law enforcement officer responding to your home or in person from a magistrate. Additional protective orders such as a preliminary protective order and a permanent protective order might be applicable in your situation.

Contact the Danville Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court at (434) 799-5173 or the Danville Victim Witness Coordinator at (434) 476-3393 during regular business hours for more information on these important orders of the court. Remember, if you feel your safety or the safety of another is in jeopardy, contact the Danville Police Department immediately at 9-1-1.

This information is provided by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Domestic Violence Victims, 1997.