Chesterfield Domestic Violence Task Force

01/16/2026

In recognition of Stalking Awareness Month, this week the CDVTF hosted Dana Fleitman of SPARC (Stalking, Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center), who presented to a full classroom of professionals in the DV/SV/Stalking field. In honing our skills, we can better serve others. Thank you SPARC!

10/16/2025

The Chesterfield DSVRC honoring PURPLE THURSDAY 💜

10/16/2025

10/15/2025

Adrian Murray, Success Teacher at Monacan High School, was nominated for the CDVTF's 7th annual Outstanding Service Award for his strong commitment to his students.

“Mr. Murray is not just an exceptional educator; he is a role model who genuinely cares about each of his students, striving to ensure their success academically and in their personal lives. Mr. Murray's dedication to hands-on learning is unparalleled. He regularly invites guest speakers to enhance the curriculum. His commitment to his students' well-being extends beyond academics. One of his passions is helping students avoid becoming perpetrators or victims of domestic violence. To this end, he arranges his schedule to ensure students receive a 5-session Healthy Relationship program (Chesterfield RELATE2You) and a 3-session anger management program. The Chesterfield RELATE2You program is a peer-taught initiative designed to educate teenagers about healthy versus unhealthy relationships and equip them with the skills to avoid violence and abuse. The Anger Management curriculum empowers students to recognize and respond to strong feelings of anger in a healthy and productive way and teaches strategies to de-escalate situations and resolve conflict peacefully. Mr. Murray's involvement in these lessons is exemplary; he actively participates in the activities, encouraging students to engage deeply and take the information seriously. His thoughtful interjections and encouragement enrich the learning experience, prompting students to critically reflect on how the lessons apply to their lives. Between the structured lessons, Mr. Murray facilitates meaningful discussions, ensuring that the material resonates with his students. His dedication to their holistic development is evident in his relentless efforts to help them lead healthy, successful, and meaningful lives. Students have reported immediate benefits from the lessons, such as improved communication with their partners and recognizing unhealthy behaviors in themselves. Others have shared the information with their partners to strengthen their relationships. Adrian Murray's unwavering commitment to his students and his dedication to domestic violence prevention makes him a deserving candidate for the Outstanding Service Award. His impact on the lives of his students is profound and lasting, truly embodying the spirit of this award.”

10/10/2025

Sissy Dance, leader of Bethel Baptist Church’s Community Engagement Team, was nominated for this year's Outstanding Service Award for her contributions to our community. Thank you, Sissy!

“Due to an ongoing relationship between Bethel Baptist Church and Crestwood Elementary School, a teacher from Crestwood Elementary contacted Bethel Baptist Church’s pastor to inquire about helping a single mom with two children enrolled at Crestwood. The mom was a victim of domestic violence, and, while she had a job, she struggled to make ends meet and was nearly homeless. She spent a lot of her income on Ubers to and from work. Bethel Baptist stepped in and provided funds to house the family for several weeks at a local hotel. As the leader of Bethel Baptist Church’s Community Engagement Team Sissy Dance went above and beyond to help this mom. Sissy organized a "love offering" for the mom and through Sissy’s efforts enough funds were raised to purchase the mom a reliable used car. Sissy took time out of her schedule to visit DMV to get the car titled in the Mom's name and she helped her obtain car insurance. Sissy's Christ-like actions helped this woman to know she is cared for and loved. Sissy is very humble and probably wouldn't want to be nominated for this award, but she truly has a heart for people, and it certainly showed in this case.”

10/09/2025

Frank & Angela GO PURPLE! Kudos for supporting GP with your pics from the VERY BEGINNING! 💜 Next year is our big 10 - can't wait to see what you have planned!

10/08/2025

Congratulations to Barbara Cooke, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney in the Chesterfield County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office JDR Division, for receiving TWO nominations for the CDVTF's Outstanding Service Award!

“Ms. Cooke inherited an extremely violent domestic violence case from an attorney who left the office to pursue a different career path. The case involved two different women who were in a relationship with the defendant. One of the women was killed and the other was seriously injured. Ms. Cooke was able to convince the surviving victim to testify at the jury trial. Through Ms. Cooke's dedication and perseverance, the surviving victim appeared multiple times for court and ultimately confronted her abuser in trial. Ms. Cooke did an amazing job preparing and presenting the evidence in trial, she gave an excellent closing argument that persuaded the jury to convict the defendant of Murder, Use of a Firearm and Aggravated Malicious Wounding. Judge Robbins ultimately sentenced the defendant to life in prison.”

“Barbara was co-counsel in and prosecuted the domestic homicide case of Commonwealth vs. Jonah Adams. It was a ten-day trial that involved the murders of 3 children, a set of 4-year twins and a thirteen-year-old girl, and their mother. The murderer was the female’s ex-boyfriend and the father of the 4-year-old twins. It was a particularly gruesome crime. The defendant broke into her home in the middle of the night and shot them all multiple times. The case involved over 70 witnesses from all over the country and over a hundred pieces of evidence. There were numerous motions hearings proceeding the trial. There had been a history of domestic violence between the two parties and the Commonwealth was allowed to present some of the history as evidence of prior bad acts by the defendant, showing his feelings toward the victim, his motive and intent. Barbara worked tirelessly with her co-counsel, victim witness, law enforcement, experts and the victims' family to secure multiple convictions for aggravated murder and multiple life sentences. This is one of several domestic homicide cases where Barbara secured convictions and justice for victims of domestic violence. She is a skilled advocate and sympathetic human who has a passion for her work and the victims and community she serves.”

10/07/2025

Another nominee for the CDVTF's Outstanding Service Award is Kaitlin Bendle of the Chesterfield County Emergency Communications Center.

“In high school I always loved Kaitlin and her family. Her brother was my best friend and my prom date. I'd always known the kind of person she was. So, imagine my hopeful surprise when flash forward 6 years later, I was in a terrible, domestic violence relationship and I needed help. I called 911 and heard a familiar voice. It didn't register at first with everything that was going on. Soon after, it clicked. I was so lucky to be able to utilize 911 and find someone on the other end who I KNEW would help. Countless more times I was unlucky enough to have to call 911. Among those calls, the most helpful and empathetic ones were always Kaitlin. Knowing the humility I was facing, she was always professional, so courteous, and humble enough to never step out of her role or pass judgement, despite knowing exactly who it was on the phone line. She very well could have messaged me personally, spread my story among common peers, but it felt as though the only intention she ever had was to help me. I'm so lucky and grateful our paths crossed yet again after leaving high school and going our separate ways. Without the nature of her on the other end, I would easily be dead by now. Kaitlin - I will always love you and your family from afar. My parents, my children, my amazing fiancé and myself have you to thank for the life I am still lucky enough to have.”

10/06/2025

Today we recognize Corporal JB Bellamy of the Chesterfield County Police Department, who was nominated for the CDVTF's 7th annual Outstanding Service Award!

“On three separate occasions, Corporal Bellamy has assisted a domestic violence victim by providing food, clothing, and household items to her. With her abuser in jail, this victim was financially unable to provide for her 4 children, and she did not own a vehicle. After hearing this, Corporal Bellamy did not hesitate to assist in picking up food from local food banks and food pantries, picked up clothing donations and basic household items, and delivered them to this victim. From his previous experience in community engagement with Chesterfield Police, he used his resources and contacts within the community to ensure this victim received the support she needed during a traumatic period. Additionally, without being asked, Corporal Bellamy also stopped at the Chesterfield Animal Shelter's pet food pantry to make sure the victim's dog was taken care of. Corporal Bellamy's dedication to assisting this victim and her family (pets included) is commendable. The fact he did this on 3 separate occasions over a one-month period for the same victim makes him an excellent example of going above and beyond, while continuing to show grace and empathy to a person experiencing hardship. With his assistance and commitment, this victim has continued to provide for her family and has since become employed, allowing her to become independent without having to rely on her abuser.”

10/03/2025

Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services PREVENTION Services GOES PURPLE!

10/01/2025

GO PURPLE! 2025

09/30/2025

Congratulations to GRACE KERSTETTER, recipient of the CDVTF's 7th Annual Outstanding Service Award! Grace received two nominations, exemplifying her commitment to address domestic violence.

“In April of 2025, I received a message from Grace, requesting to talk about, and seek assistance for, a CPS case assignment. Grace had been appointed to check the welfare of a child exposed to extensive domestic violence. Her mother had sought medical help from a local hospital for strangulation, not for the first time. There were clear signs that extensive forms of abuse and control were at play, but the patient appeared terrified of reporting her husband. The mother told hospital staff she feared for her daughter, who was witnessing so much of what took place in the home. Grace, along with local police, responded to the home to check the welfare of the child. The abuser greeted them at the door. Immediately getting a correct read on the tension and dynamics of the situation, Grace informed him why she was there and that she needed to see the child and asked to speak to the mother separately. Through their amazing tact and teamwork, Grace and the officer were able to create a safe space and environment for the child and mother to share a more recent assault that occurred just days prior. After showing the most recent injuries, the abuser was placed under arrest for that one assault. Understanding the depth of fear, and years of experienced isolation, Grace worked tirelessly and patiently with this mom to help her seek a protective order and report the totality of their abuse. When the mom was scared to go before the court alone, Grace met her at the court and stayed with us throughout the entire process. In the weeks that followed, Grace attended police interviews, checked in with the child and family, scheduled and attended a forensic interview for the child, came to court hearings, and stayed in constant contact with the involved professionals seeking justice and resources for the family. Without the understanding, support, and absence of judgement that Grace provided to this mother and survivor, the case would not be where it is today. Grace empowered this mom and daughter to tell of their experiences, seek justice, find space to start healing, provide evidence, and take back their lives. Today, we start down the path of holding this abuser accountable through the criminal justice system. While there is still more of the journey to walk with them, Grace has paved the path with support, understanding, acceptance, determination, and, well, grace. What was first reported appears to be only the tip of the iceberg. Her knowledge and skill, in regard to the aspects of domestic violence, allowed her to go way above and beyond her regular duties. There is no doubt in my mind Grace saved two lives through this case, when only she was only assigned to the protection of one. I just need to know what color to make her superhero cape.”

“Grace supported her domestic violence client emotionally and physically. She offered guidance, support and encouragement to the domestic violence survivor. Grace attended court hearings in support of the survivor. Grace answered after-hour phone calls from the survivor for emotional support. Grace went above and beyond her job duties to support her client who is a domestic violence survivor. If it wasn’t for Grace’s support and effort, the survivor would not have had enough strength to leave, but, due to Grace’s unwavering support her client left her abuser and has started a new life.”