In some cases, victims of domestic violence may decide not to
seek intervention through the Criminal Justice System, nor desire to file a
protective order. Or s/he may feel that a 'no contact' order or
protective order will not be sufficient within itself to stop the
violence. Or, s/he may feel in heightened danger once charges have
been filed or a protective order served. If s/he feels that his/her
safety is in danger, s/he may want to contact a domestic violence
shelter. Individuals at the shelter can help victims designed a
safety plan for home and work, or arrange for the victim and his/her children to
stay at the shelter for a period of time. In addition, Domestic
violence organizations also often help with financial issues and offer
counseling for domestic violence victims and the children. Finally,
some shelters offer child visitation or exchange centers. in York
County and Poquoson, Avalon offers this service. For more
information, contact Avalon at (757)258-5051 or Transitions at (757)
723-7774.
If you have been a victim of violence with a close or intimate
relationship, you may be confused and have numerous questions and
concerns. If you would like more infomation about domestic violence,
please contact the Victim-Witness Assistance Program in your are. For
the York-Poquoson victim-Witness Assistance Program, call (757) 890-3402.