Domestic Violence Prevention Center

Our Mission and Services:

Our mission is to provide support for the domestic violence victims and work toward the reduction and elimination of family violence.  The Domestic Violence Prevention Center (DVPC), a United Way agency, helps women recover from abuse, resolve personal conflicts, improve self-esteem and begin new lives.  The primary feature of this program is the VADV certified shelter, located in a private, secure and confidential place.

The DVPC offers the following services:

• A 30 day, 32-bed emergency shelter for women and children in crisis
• A full service shelter offering free food, housing and clothing to victims
• Individual caseworkers, child caseworkers, on-site support groups, parenting classes, court advocacy, free legal consultation and transportation
• A toll free, 24-hour crisis hotline (1-888-528-1041)
• Confidential and community referrals and information
• Volunteer training and community education

Remember, you are not alone. We can help. If you, or someone you know, is being abused, call (434) 528-1041 or 1-888-528-1041 or for more information you can email us.

DVPC Children:

Our shelter has an extensive children's program. We provide caseworkers for children, parenting classes and babysitting services. Eighty-seven children spent at least one night at the DVPC in the last year and most stayed thirty days.  The shelter provides their meals, access to their schools, and daily fun and educational activities. 

The DVPC shelter just received the $10,000 Youth Philanthropy Award from Wachovia Bank the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust in April 2005.   The award was designed to create awareness in young people of the importance of philanthropy and community service and this is the second year it has been given.  The children’s program at the Domestic Violence Prevention Center was chosen by a committee of twenty-two high school seniors from eleven area high schools as the most deserving charity.  With the Youth Philanthropy Award, the DVPC was able to erect a new outdoor playground as well as an indoor playroom.     

The children also have a brand new program: Reading adds UP!, made possible through a grant from the United Way’s Success by 6 program. The program is a new literacy initiative created by Julie Small at the YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter in July 2005.  The grant provides books and supplies for the families at the shelter to use and each book has an activity guide for parents and children to complete together. These silly, yet educational activities incorporate popular children’s literature to teach that reading is fun and interactive instead of a boring chore. As they finish books, the children earn points which can be redeemed for prizes such as movie vouchers, ice cream gift certificates, games, CD's and more. This program is designed to encourage quality time for both parent and child in a fun and educational way.

To support the DVPC shelter and its children through an online donation, please click  here.

Facts About Abuse:

Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, sexual and verbal abuse -- even the threat of such abuse -- between people in a close relationship.  You may be a victim, or know a victim, and not have any physical injuries. Just remember, you are not alone.

• Battering is the single, major cause of injury to women, exceeding rapes, muggings and car accidents combined
• Domestic violence strikes one family in the US every nine seconds
• Domestic violence occurs in all economic, ethnic, racial and age groups
• Domestic violence is passed from one generation to the next through socialization.
• Children who witness domestic violence are more likely to become abusers or battered adults, and 50% of these children are abused themselves.

Abuse is a crime. Plan your escape:

If you, or someone you know, is planning to leave an abusive household, here are some important things you can do to help yourself and your family.

If you've been involved in a violent episode, remember to:

• Save evidence -- such as torn clothing
• Have a friend or police officer take pictures of your injuries
• Keep all dental and medical records in an easily accessible location
• Keep extra copies of important document where you can get to them easily -- with a friend or relative for example

If you've got time to pack, gather the following items for yourself and your children:

• Clothing
• Birth Certificates
• Marriage/ divorce licenses
• School records
• Immunization/ medical records
• Medicines
• Insurance documents
• Social Security cards
• Identification papers for yourself and your children
• Food stamps
• Checkbook, money, or credit cards
• Child's favorite toys and/or blanket
• Phone numbers of friends and relatives

For more resources, please visit VSDVAlliance.org.

Remember, you are not alone.