Virginia Victim Assistance Network

05/28/2026

Governor Abigail Spanberger recently signed a historic package of bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering childcare costs across Virginia. By creating the Employee Child Care Assistance Program—which provides state matching funds for employers who help cover childcare costs—Virginia is tackling a massive workforce barrier.

But lowering the cost of childcare isn’t just an economic victory. For many parents, it is a literal lifeline out of an abusive relationship.

When we ask, "Why don't victims of domestic violence just leave?" the answer is almost always rooted in systemic financial entrapment. The skyrocketing cost of childcare acts as a structural anchor that keeps survivors trapped. Here is why affordable childcare is critical to breaking the cycle of abuse:

• The Financial Catch-22: Financial abuse occurs in 99% of domestic violence cases. If a survivor tries to flee and take an entry-level job to build independence, full-time childcare can easily consume their entire paycheck. When working literally costs more than staying, survivors are forced to choose between a dangerous home or catastrophic poverty.

• Weaponized Isolation: Abusers weaponize high childcare costs to isolate victims, pressuring them to stay out of the workforce to "save money." This leaves survivors with zero independent income, zero savings, and gaps in employment that make escaping even harder.

• The Logistics of Fleeing: Escaping abuse is highly dangerous and requires meticulous planning. Survivors need safe places for their children while they meet with legal aid, secure housing, attend court hearings, or go to job interviews. Without immediate, affordable, and flexible care, these essential steps toward freedom are impossible.

When we invest in making childcare affordable, we aren’t just helping families thrive--we are building a crucial emergency exit for those who need it most.

Thank you to Delegate Adele McClure and Senator Lashrecse Aird for championing this legislation.

True economic safety means making sure no parent has to choose between their safety and their ability to provide for their children.

05/28/2026

These words stay with us.

As victim advocates, we often wish we could fix everything. We wish we could erase trauma, undo violence, provide every answer, and make the pain disappear overnight. But the truth is, sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer is simply our presence.

To listen without judgment.
To sit with someone in their hardest moment.
To remind them they are not alone.
To believe them.
To let them cry.

There isn’t always a perfect solution. Healing is not linear, and crises do not come with easy answers. But showing compassion, patience, and humanity matters more than we sometimes realize.

This is Why We Do What We Do (WWDWWD).

Because every person deserves to be heard.
Every survivor deserves dignity.
And sometimes, being a safe voice in the dark is the beginning of hope.



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05/27/2026

Registration for Advocate Essentials Academy is now officially closed as we have reached maximum capacity. We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming response and can’t wait to see everyone there!

To everyone who registered: keep an eye on your inbox for important event details coming soon!

05/25/2026

Today we honor and remember our fallen heroes and their courage, service, and sacrifice.

05/11/2026

Registration is filling up for VVAN's 2026 Advocate Essentials Academy. Since opening registration, the response has been incredible, and 50% of our available spots are now gone.

🕒 Don’t Miss Out

Please visit https://web.cvent.com/event/1197c6e7-f046-4491-9cf2-839cec5cdc6a/websitePage:10fb8faa-4c13-40db-ae6d-dab4ca93b5b9 for registration and event details.

05/05/2026

We are thrilled to announce that registration is officially open for the 2026 Advocate Essentials Academy!

This year’s AE Academy will be held at the University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center, a beautiful space with plenty of convenient, nearby parking.

The Details

Location: Jepson Alumni Center, University of Richmond

Lodging: We have reserved a block of rooms for your convenience. Lodging includes free parking and continental breakfast. Please visit https://web.cvent.com/event/1197c6e7-f046-4491-9cf2-839cec5cdc6a/summarythe for lodging and event details.

Networking: Join us for a reception on Monday evening—a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with fellow advocates and presenters.

What to Expect: We have a fantastic lineup of presenters confirmed for this in-depth training.

We are finalizing the full agenda and will share those additional details with you shortly. In the meantime, we hope you’ll secure your spot and join us for this impactful event!

We are limited to 50 attendees, so please reserve your spot as soon as possible.

05/01/2026

We extend our deepest gratitude to Governor Abigail Spanberger for her leadership and commitment to addressing domestic violence across the Commonwealth.

By ordering the United States and Virginia flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday, May 4, the Governor honors the memory of Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax and all those whose lives have been tragically affected by domestic abuse.

This powerful gesture serves as a reminder that we must continue to work together to support survivors and advocate for a future free from violence.

04/28/2026

This training is designed for victim advocates, prosecutors, and allied professionals to stay ahead of the evolving legal landscape in Virginia. By understanding the "forecast," advocates are better equipped to provide informed support, ensure compliance with new mandates, and advocate for sustainable funding and systemic improvements for victims of crime.

⭐More information and registration details coming soon!⭐

04/24/2026

Congratulations to Scharnelle Hamlin Hsg Coordinator, our Homicide Support Group Coordinator, on receiving the 2026 Unsung Heroes Award!

The Unsung Heroes Award, presented by Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, recognizes and honors individuals who provide exceptional support to victims of crime in Virginia.

We are incredibly proud of Scharnelle. Her tenacious, steadfast commitment to advocating for those affected by homicide is both humbling and inspiring. Her work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of so many, and this recognition is well deserved.

04/22/2026

THIS is so critical to dispelling common myths about victims.

When someone comes forward, people often try to attack the very notion of speaking up and assume they have ulterior motives. This is especially cruel considering that, in reality, oftentimes the opposite is true.

For example, people believe that survivors speak out, report, or file lawsuits purely for money, when research shows that key motivators are things such as justice, closure, and protecting others. In reality, the individual costs (e.g. therapy, medical, relocation, legal, career) far outweigh anything a the vast majority of survivors will ever receive.

If questioning the motive of someone sharing their story is your default response, we encourage you to take a moment to learn more about the truth regarding sexual violence by visiting Survivors.org, or checking out the rest of our profile.