In this week’s Arlington County crime report, two men are accused of particularly vicious instances of domestic violence. Both alleged crimes took place yesterday (Tuesday) while in public.
At 11:50 a.m. on Tuesday, a man is accused of holding down a woman and threatening her in Crystal City, before a Good Samaritan intervened.
Until the legislature acted earlier this year, Virginia was one of only six states that did not offer protective orders — a legal means of preventing contact with abusive partners — to men and women in dating situations. Now, as of July 1, the state allows individuals who are not married and not living with their partner to obtain a protective order.
Yesterday, Doorways issued the following press release about the new law.
Domestic violence against women isn’t always committed by men. One in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime regardless of the sexual orientation, race, socioeconomic status, age or educational background.
To help mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Arlington Central Library will be screening three films that explore the subject.
