Domestic Violence in Virginia: What the Court Data Shows

According to 123 public court records from 2023–2024, Domestic Violence cases across 4 Virginia jurisdictions have an average dismissal rate of 48.0% and an average conviction rate of 44.5%.

Domestic violence cases involve allegations of violence or threats between family or household members. These cases often involve protective orders and may carry additional consequences beyond the criminal charge itself. This page examines what public court records reveal about outcomes across Virginia.

What Our Data Shows About Domestic Violence Outcomes

Our analysis of domestic violence cases across Virginia courts (2023-2024) reveals:

• 52.1% average dismissal rate across cases specifically categorized as domestic violence
• 41.1% average conviction rate
• 184 days average median case duration

Important note: Many domestic violence cases in Virginia are filed under the assault & battery charge category. Our data shows 44,997 assault & battery cases with a 61.6% average dismissal rate — one of the highest of any charge type, likely reflecting victim cooperation dynamics common in interpersonal cases.

View domestic violence statistics across all Virginia jurisdictions for detailed data on each court.

Variation Across Virginia

Domestic violence outcomes differ depending on which court hears the case. Dismissal rates range from 22.7% to over 50% depending on the jurisdiction. These differences may reflect local court practices, prosecutorial policies regarding victim cooperation, and the availability of diversion or counseling programs.

Understanding Domestic Violence Statistics

When reviewing our data, keep in mind:

• Domestic violence cases often involve protective orders that proceed separately from the criminal case
• Dismissal includes judicial dismissals and nolle prosequi
• These are aggregate statistics — individual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case

Next Steps

For information about Virginia domestic violence laws and protective orders, consult a licensed Virginia attorney or visit the Virginia Legislative Information System.

To explore how domestic violence cases are resolved in your specific court, view our domestic violence data by jurisdiction.