Domestic Violence Prevention

If you or someone you love needs help, please call our 24/7 hotline: 1 (888) 528-1041

Stop the Abuse

Domestic Violence Prevention Services

  • Sadler House

    A Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance (VSDVAA) certified emergency shelter, Sadler House offers safe housing for women and children escaping domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Prevention Program’s Sadler House (DVPP) was founded when YWCA merged with the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA in 1978. Sadler House is a certified, 30-day, 25-bed facility that houses women and children in crisis, offers free food and clothing as needed and provides individual caseworkers, child caseworkers, on-site support groups, parenting classes, court advocacy and transportation.

  • Frannie’s House

    A Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance (VSDVAA) certified 8-bed emergency shelter in Campbell County, Frannie’s House is a  full-service shelter offering free food, housing, and clothing to victims as needed. Frannie’s House provides clients with individual caseworkers, child caseworkers, on-site support groups, parenting classes, court advocacy, and transportation

  • Financial Empowerment

    We’ve partnered with the Allstate Foundation to bring the women in our community who are survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence the tools and information designed to empower them to be self-sufficient with their finances. The classes cover topics such as understanding and rebuilding credit, budgeting, resume building, community resources, career empowerment, etc. YWCA is proud to have Bank of the James as the local signature sponsor for this program.

  • Support for Children

    Our safe houses have an extensive children’s program. We provide caseworkers for children and parenting classes. Over 100 children spend at least one night at the DVPC in one year and most stayed 30 days. The shelter provides their meals, access to their schools, as well as fun and educational activities.

Plan Your Escape

We understand that leaving an abusive situation can be a daunting and overwhelming task, which is why we put together a guide that addresses the unique challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence. Remember, you are not alone and there is always a way out.

Every 7 days a child dies from abuse or neglect. Every 5 hours a child witnesses an act of domestic violence. In an average moment, there are 6,700 children in foster care in Virginia.

The Domestic Violence Prevention Program (DVPP) helps women, children, men and families recover from abuse, resolve personal conflicts, improve self-esteem and begin new lives. The primary feature of this program is our two VSDVAA-certified shelters.  The shelters are located in a private, secure and confidential places in both the City of Lynchburg and the Town of Altavista. The YWCA Domestic Violence Prevention Program is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

YWCA Central Virginia’s Domestic Violence Prevention Program Client Grievance Policy

YWCA Central Virginia is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  It is the policy of YWCA Central Virginia to treat all clients with fairness and professionalism and to strive for excellence in providing services to clients. YWCA policy provides clients and their families or legal guardians with the opportunity to express a problem or grievance related to the quality of services.  If you feel you have been treated unfairly, unprofessionally or feel that your rights have been breached, the following procedure should be used.

YWCA Central Virginia’s procedure is designed to provide a means for those potential, current, and exiting clients in the Domestic Violence Prevention Program to bring a grievance to the attention of YWCA and to reach a speedy resolution.  YWCA has a strict policy prohibiting retaliation in any form against anyone who files a grievance.

A grievance is defined as any situation or condition that a client thinks is unfair, unjust or inequitable.  In addition, if a client merely states they want to file a grievance, a grievance should be completed.  Under this Client Grievance Procedure, you should submit a grievance in the following sequence:

  • If you have a grievance, the concern can be discussed with a YWCA DVPP team member. If you decided to speak to a YWCA DVPP team member and an agreement cannot be reached, you should proceed to the next step of this grievance procedure.  You can also file a grievance without any discussion and proceed to the next step. 

  • If the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you may choose to discuss your concerns with the Senior Managing Director for Victim Services (email: victimservices@ywcacva.org | phone 434-847-7751)

  • Once notified in writing, YWCA will initiate an investigation within two (2) business days and provide an acknowledgment to you within seven (7) business days

  • YWCA will report the outcome of the complaint investigation to you within fourteen (14) business days after the complaint is relieved. If it has not been possible to gather the necessary information that would lead to a resolution by fourteen (14) days, you will be notified and given a new date, up to 30 days, by which a resolution or determination will be made.

  • If for any reason you are unsatisfied with the results, you may contact YWCA Central Virginia’s Chief Executive Officer to discuss the matter further. The CEO will conduct a review of the matter and will respond to you in writing within ten (10) business days.  The CEO’s decision and recommendations will be final.

YWCA DVPP Client Grievance Form

This form is to be completed if you wish to make or file a grievance or complaint. You may also ask someone else who is acting with your knowledge and consent to write or express the grievance. You may file this report anonymously, without your name, however, it may make it more difficult for YWCA Central Virginia and it's Domestic Violence Prevention Program (DVPP) to address the matter.