Reporting Stalking to Virginia Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Virginia.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
Download the printable Virginia guide
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Virginia resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: Virginia's stalking protection usually begins with a warrant — once one is issued, a police officer or magistrate can issue an Emergency Protective Order.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Virginia State Police
Via vsp.virginia.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
VA Dept. of Corrections — Victim Services Unit
1-800-560-4292
Notification and support if a stalker is in state custody.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
Virginia — Statewide Agencies
Virginia Victims Fund (Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund)
Via the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission
State program that helps with out-of-pocket expenses for victims of violent crime; no tax dollars are used.
VA Dept. of Criminal Justice Services — Victim Services
804-786-7802
Main line (804) 786-4000 · TDD (804) 786-8732 · victim services information and local victim/witness program referrals.
dcjs.virginia.gov ↗Virginia Courts — Protective Order Information
Via vacourts.gov
Official forms and instructions for protective orders.
vacourts.gov ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by locality
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of Virginia.
Your General District Court clerk's office
Find yours via vacourts.gov
If a stalking warrant is issued, you may file for a protective order here; a magistrate or police officer can issue an Emergency Protective Order.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Protective Orders in Virginia
Emergency Protective Order (EPO): if a warrant is issued for stalking, a police officer or magistrate can issue an EPO barring contact with you and your family or household — it lasts 72 hours.
Longer orders: an EPO can be followed by a Preliminary Protective Order (up to about two weeks) and then a Protective Order lasting up to two years.
Where to file: the General District Court clerk's office — your local victim/witness program can explain how it works for your situation.
Virginia Courts
Forms and instructions for Stalking and Serious Bodily Injury protective orders.
vacourts.gov ↗If it's violated
Violating a protective order is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and the person can be arrested immediately.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to DCJS Victim Services.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Report the stalking to your local police, and ask about seeking a warrant for stalking.
- 2If a warrant is issued, ask a police officer or magistrate for an Emergency Protective Order — it lasts 72 hours.
- 3Go to the General District Court clerk's office to file for a longer protective order.
- 4A Preliminary Protective Order can follow, then a full Protective Order of up to two years after a hearing.
- 5Keep a copy of any order with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Virginia Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline (VDSS)
1-800-552-7096
24/7, statewide · out of state: 804-786-8536 · hearing-impaired: 800-828-1120.
Virginia Adult Protective Services Hotline (VDSS)
1-888-832-3858
24/7 · adults 60+ and incapacitated adults 18+.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Virginia State Police | Via vsp.virginia.gov | Emergency |
| VA Dept. of Corrections — Victim Services Unit | 1-800-560-4292 | Emergency |
| Virginia Victims Fund (Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund) | Via the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission | Statewide |
| VA Dept. of Criminal Justice Services — Victim Services | 804-786-7802 | Statewide |
| Virginia Courts — Protective Order Information | Via vacourts.gov | Statewide |
| Virginia Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline (VDSS) | 1-800-552-7096 | Specialized |
| Virginia Adult Protective Services Hotline (VDSS) | 1-888-832-3858 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Virginia
How do I report stalking in Virginia?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Virginia?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Virginia?
Emergency Protective Order (EPO): if a warrant is issued for stalking, a police officer or magistrate can issue an EPO barring contact with you and your family or household — it lasts 72 hours. Longer orders: an EPO can be followed by a Preliminary Protective Order (up to about two weeks) and then a Protective Order lasting up to two years. Where to file: the General District Court clerk's office — your local victim/witness program can explain how it works for your situation.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Virginia?
Filing fees vary by court in Virginia, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Virginia?
Yes — Virginia has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact Virginia Victims Fund (Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund) at Via the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission.
What counts as stalking under Virginia law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Virginia, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Virginia if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Virginia?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Virginia?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Virginia reporting guide?
You can download the free Virginia reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Virginia-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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