Project Empower

Contact Us

EMPOWER phone number: (804) 628-3361 or page 2375

• EMPOWER staff are available 7 days a week

For additional support:

STATEWIDE HOTLINE: 1-800-838-8238 (24/7 text/chat available)
LGBTQ HELPLINE: 1-866-356-6998 (24/7 text/chat available)

Project EMPOWER is a multi-disciplinary initiative dedicated to enhancing prevention and intervention services to individuals and their families who have or are experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Domestic Violence or Sexual Violence (SV). We provide direct services to our patients and team members as well as training for our healthcare providers.

Services Available

The patients and team members of VCU Health System who are or have experienced intimate partner violence, family violence, or sexual violence have the option to meet with a trained advocate. The following services are provided at no cost:

• Crisis Intervention
• Community based referrals and resources
• Liaison to law enforcement (ex: assistance with protective orders)
• Safety Planning
• Court accompaniment
• Ongoing counseling/ case management

What is IPV?

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is defined as a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors that may include inflicted physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, progressive social isolation, stalking, deprivation, intimidation, and threats. These behaviors are perpetrated by someone who is, was, or wishes to be involved in an intimate or dating relationship, and are aimed at establishing power and control by one partner over another.

Learn more and get help

If you or someone you know is experiencing IPV, learn more and get help from the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

Local Resources:

Virginia Domestic and Sexual Violence Action Alliance
1118 W. Main St., Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 377-0335

Safe Harbor
2006 Bremo Road #201, Richmond, VA 23226
(804) 249-9470

YWCA of Richmond
6 N 5th St, Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 643-6761

Hanover Safe Place
629 N Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 752-2702

The James House
2006 Wakefield Ave, Petersburg, VA 23805
(804) 732-1711

Virginia Anti Violence Project

Side by Side (formerly ROSMY)
2311 Westwood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 644-4800

Planned Parenthood
201 Hamilton St, Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 355-4358

National Resources:

Healthcare Provider Training

Did you know?

• 44-47% of women killed by their intimate partners have been seen by a health care provider within the year preceding their death
• Patients who experience IPV access the health care system 2.5x’s more than the average patient

The Project EMPOWER team provides in-depth training and education on intimate partner violence, Sexual Violence, Human Trafficking as well as proper screening and assessment. Survivors report that they are not embarrassed to be asked about abuse and that discussing it would strengthen relationships with health care providers. Health care providers have a unique opportunity to identify victims and provide critical interventions and referrals.

If you are interested in a training or an in-service for your staff please contact an EMPOWER Advocate at (804) 628-3361.

For More Information

Mailing address:
Injury & Violence Prevention Program
Box 980624
Richmond, VA 23298-0624