Despite a preponderance of statistical evidence that domestic violence is increasing at an alarming rate Powhatan County does not have an active government program. A U.S. Department of Justice report in 1996 noted approximately two and a quarter million cases of domestic violence in the United States. This figure rose to approximately three million just two years later. The American Institute on Domestic Violence reports that that figure is now over 5.3 million reported incidences per year.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported that in Virginia the number of women and children staying in domestic violence shelters doubled between the years 2000 and 2006. Their data indicates that 51,652 individuals “in crisis situations” contacted Virginia domestic violence programs in 2006. The Commonwealth recorded 147 homicides related to domestic abuse in 2005. NCADV reported, however, that in 2005 2,367 families who requested shelter could not be served.

At the current time families in domestic violence crises in Powhatan County have no program from which to be turned away. Powhatan County Board of Supervisors member Robert Cosby is adamant concerning the County’s support of a domestic violence program in the County. “We have always been very friendly toward and supportive of this program. It (domestic violence) is a horrible thing,” he stated.

“We’re going to cut back to $57,000 this year (July 1st 2008) because that money is still there,” he said.

Ms. Lisa Goolsby, Office Manager at the Community Action Agency, stated that the Powhatan-Goochland C.A.A.’s domestic violence program was discontinued in 2004 and referred inquiries to Mr. Paul Grossman, Chief Financial Office of the Richmond Community Action Program, the metropolitan Richmond area “bridge between social services agencies” including Powhatan-Goochland C.A.A.

Grossman, former Financial and Transportation Services Director at Powhatan-Goochland C.A.A. agreed that there had been a domestic violence program there “ a number of years ago, probably four or five” but it had been discontinues and RCAP had no domestic violence program to replace it. He indicated that RCAP was investigating the possibility of adding a domestic violence program in the next fiscal year. “We are very concerned about this (the lack of a program). In the past the State has said that the cost per client is just too high. But how do you put a dollar value on it,” he said.

Mr. Grossman agreed a domestic violence program is “much needed” and is concerned that when they do get domestic violence calls from Powhatan County, “it’s difficult. I believe there are other programs in the area but we have no referral service.”