Domestic violence is a critical issue that demands our full attention and dedicated response. The Leesburg Police Department is committed to providing comprehensive support to victims and working tirelessly to prevent instances of domestic abuse. We offer a range of services including confidential reporting, immediate response, and access to resources such as shelters and counseling. Our officers are trained to handle these sensitive situations with the utmost care and professionalism, ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected. We also collaborate with local organizations to raise awareness, educate the community, and promote healthy, respectful relationships.  

Through specialized training for officers, robust enforcement of laws, and partnerships with local advocacy organizations and support services, the department strives to create a safe and supportive environment for survivors to seek help and access resources. 

What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship where one partner seeks to gain or maintain power and control over the other. It can occur between current or former spouses, intimate partners, or family members, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or marital status. Domestic violence can take various forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse. This type of violence can have severe and lasting effects on the victim's physical and mental health, as well as on the well-being of any children involved. It is a serious and widespread problem that requires comprehensive intervention and support services to address effectively.

 

The links below will take you to a Power and Control Wheel diagram (in English and Spanish) that can serve as a domestic violence screening tool:

• Power and Control Wheel
• Diagrama del Poder y el Control

Who can be Arrested for Domestic Violence?
Anyone who commits an act of domestic violence can be arrested, regardless of their gender, age, or relationship to the victim. This includes spouses, intimate partners, family members, cohabitants, or anyone else involved in a domestic relationship. Law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest individuals suspected of domestic violence if there is probable cause to believe that a crime has occurred. 

What are the Effects of Domestic Violence?

The effects of domestic violence can be profound and long-lasting, impacting victims, children, families, and communities in various ways. Some of the effects include:  

• Physical injuries: Victims of domestic violence may suffer from physical injuries ranging from bruises and cuts to broken bones and internal injuries. These injuries can result in chronic pain, disability, and long-term health problems.
• Psychological trauma: Domestic violence often causes significant psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and low self-esteem. Victims may experience feelings of fear, shame, guilt, and hopelessness.
• Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse, such as verbal insults, threats, and manipulation, can have lasting effects on a victim's mental well-being. It can erode self-worth, undermine confidence, and lead to feelings of isolation and despair.
• Social isolation: Perpetrators of domestic violence often use tactics to isolate their victims from friends, family, and support networks. This social isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, dependence, and helplessness.
• Economic hardship: Domestic violence can also have financial repercussions, as victims may face barriers to employment, financial control by the abuser, and economic instability. This can make it difficult for victims to leave abusive situations and rebuild their lives.
• Impact on children: Children who witness domestic violence may suffer from emotional trauma, behavioral problems, and developmental delays. They are also at higher risk of experiencing abuse themselves and perpetuating the cycle of violence in future relationships.
• Health consequences: Domestic violence is associated with a range of physical health problems, including chronic pain, reproductive health issues, substance abuse, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
• Legal and safety concerns: Victims of domestic violence may face legal challenges related to obtaining protective orders, navigating the criminal justice system, and ensuring their safety and the safety of their children.

Whom can I Call for Help?
If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

If you would like to speak to someone about your situation, you can call the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS) hotline at 703-777-6552 (24 hours a day).

You can also call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 800-779-SAFE (7233); 800-787-3224 (TTY).

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Coordinated Community Response

The Coordinated Community Response (CCR) model of domestic violence illustrates the inter-relationship of agencies and levels of response for addressing domestic violence. It recognizes that no one agency can deal effectively and safely with the effects of domestic violence, but rather a collaborative approach is best.

Loudoun County has developed a coordinated community response (CCR) to domestic violence through the collaborative efforts of its project partners. The project partners include:

• Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
• Leesburg Police Department
• Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Office
• Victim Witness Program
• Loudoun County Department of Community Corrections
• Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice / Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS)
• Juvenile Court Services Unit 
• Loudoun County Department Mental Health / Substance Abuse / Developmental Services
• Loudoun County Department of Family Services
• Loudoun County Public Schools

Loudoun Domestic Abuse Response Team
To facilitate development of its CCR, the county formed the Loudoun Domestic Abuse Response Team (D.A.R.T.). D.A.R.T. is comprised of front line workers and mid-level managers from the project agencies. The D.A.R.T. is advised by the Loudoun Domestic Violence Steering Committee, which consists of county agency directors, local department heads as well as the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Judges.

The Loudoun D.A.R.T. endeavors to ensure collaboration with project and community partners regarding information sharing, mutual problem solving, victim safety issues, offender accountability as well as accountability within the criminal justice system. The team has developed protocols that ensure clear and expeditious lines of communication within the justice system as well as encourage the legal exchange of critical information that should lead to uniform and consistent responses to domestic and family violence.

Contact:
Diana Rodriguez
Acting D.A.R.T. Coordinator
Diana.Rodriguez@LCSJ.org
Ph: 703-771-3398

D.A.R.T. Mission Statement
The mission of the D.A.R.T. is to ensure the safety of victims and families, and to increase offender accountability through consistent collaboration with our interagency and community partners; and to promote awareness and education about the pervasive effects of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse through training, intervention, and rehabilitation.

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Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter (LAWS)
The mission of LAWS is to serve adults and children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; to empower, inform and advocate for adults and children; to educate the community about domestic violence and sexual assault and to work towards the elimination of personal and societal violence.

 

For more information concerning LAWS and the services they can provide, please visit the following link: Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter