VPLC Supports HB 1851 as Closing a Loophole Available to 1st Offense Domestic Violence Abusers Who Have Benefited from Deferred Sentencing Provisions §18.2-57.3 is the deferred sentencing provision available to first-time domestic violence abusers. It is only available to first-time offenders over 18 years of age who acknowledge that the Commonwealth of Virginia has enough […]
VPLC supports HB 1344 to make it easier on children presenting evidence in courtSometimes it can be very difficult for children to testify in court. For example, a child was willing to testify against his father for (alleged) abuse, but could not do so in open court and instead had a breakdown on the witness stand. It is hard enough for anyone to testify about physical, sexual or […]
A Survivor’s StoryIn honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, VPLC Staff Attorney Susheela Varky shares the story of one client who made it out of the hidden cycle of violence with help from multiple VPLC staff and other advocates. Luisa[1] lifts the heavy vacuum cleaner and other cleaning supplies into the back of her van. She just […]
If you are Asking Why a Survivor Stays, you are Asking the Wrong QuestionThe following is a blog post from VPLC’s domestic and sexual violence attorney, Susheela Varky: I was in the doctor’s office yesterday, about to be prepped for a routine procedure. The two nurses who just verified my information and injected an IV into my arm went back to the nurse’s station. “He punched her, and […]