Learn More About the Project

VAdata is an electronic web-based data collection system for Virginia's sexual and domestic violence service agencies. One of its unique features is that VAdata collects information on both sexual and domestic violence, combining information from domestic violence programs and sexual assault crisis centers in one system.

The system provides a summary of data on the adults and children served by these agencies, including a description of the violence experienced, the perpetrators of that violence, the impact of the violence and strategies used to cope with its effects, and the services received.

The data provided by VAdata are an important tool in Virginia's effort to address and prevent sexual and domestic violence. Moreover, data help to illustrate how services change lives. In 2022, 3,508 adult users of Virginia's sexual and domestic violence agencies responded to confidential surveys:
  • 95% know more about community resources and ways to plan for their safety.
  • 95% have more power over their lives and know how to take next steps.
  • 93% believe their children exposed to violence are emotionally healthy and have more positive interactions with others.
  • 97% are more hopeful about their lives.

Value to Sexual and Domestic Violence Service Agencies

  • Responds to the data needs of advocates and survivors
  • Generates reports for multiple funding sources
  • Offers immediate access to community and statewide report data
  • Offers case management capabilities
  • Reduces documentation and recordkeeping
  • Promotes consistency with internal and statewide documentation and reporting
  • Complies with VAWA confidentiality regulations
  • Includes outcome data generated from surveys completed by service recipients

Value to Communities and/or States

  • Provides community and statewide data
  • Promotes consistency in community and/or statewide data collection and reporting
  • Generates local and statewide reports for diverse purposes
  • Includes data collected directly from victims on the impact and value of services provided
  • Is adaptable to other states and localities
  • Was designed, established, and tested specifically for sexual and domestic violence service agencies

"What would you have done if the shelter had not existed?" Shelter residents responded that they:


  • would have returned to live with the abusive person
  • would be dead at the hands of the abusive person
  • might have taken their own lives .
  • would have been homeless .