‘Not by themselves’: Floyd County shines a light on Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Teresa McKensie, who directs Floyd County’s victim-witness services unit, said awareness can begin by simply paying attention to the well-being of friends and family members. The first indication that someone is in peril could be bruising, she said.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is underway in Floyd County. In the courthouse lobby, there are photographs of 38 Virginia women killed in acts of domestic violence, while at the library there are free purple ribbons and a book display to help raise awareness.
Press releases and public service announcements will be going out, emphasizing that everyone can play a role in stopping the violence.
Teresa McKensie, who directs Floyd County’s victim-witness services unit, said awareness can begin by simply paying attention to the well-being of friends and family members. The first indication that someone is in peril could be bruising, she said.
Her office within the commonwealth’s attorney’s office is a one-stop shop for services for victims and survivors.
“I have had people call – moms or parents call – and say, ‘I think my daughter’s in a bad situation. Could I bring them in?’” McKensie urges people with such concerns to visit her in person.
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The problem persists despite an improved safety net for victims and survivors. She enters dozens of new cases into a victim database each quarter.
“I can’t see that it’s getting worse. The thing of it is, I don’t think it’s getting better. I think it stays pretty consistent,” said McKensie, who has been in the role for 12 years.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one in three women and one in six men will experience sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lives.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office posts on its website a declaration that the agency treats domestic violence reports with “high priority.”
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In the aftermath of an incident, McKensie can help obtain a restraining order from a judicial officer, as well as give assistance entering a domestic violence shelter, visiting a medical provider, and bringing charges.
Also through McKensie, victims can file for up to $35,000 in aid from the Virginia Victims Fund to cover needs such as security cameras, relocation, and repair of property damage. The fund will also send money to make up for the household income that might be lost when a perpetrator goes off to prison.
Finally, McKensie can offer reassurance and emotional support, all behind closed doors. Her insight is personal: Twenty-three years ago, her husband stabbed her eight times.
“I just want them to know they’re not by themselves,” she said.
McKensie has previously talked publicly about the attack, which took place in Tazewell County. The man involved is in prison.
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Just across a hallway from McKensie is the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Branscom, who prosecutes domestic violence cases. The criminal statute prohibiting assault and battery of a family member is one most often used, he said. But, in aggravated cases leading to death, he can file a murder charge. Local murder cases more often than not involve members of the same household, he said.
In a change of procedure, Branscom said law enforcement officials have adjusted protocols to become more sensitive to victims who say they do not want their attacker incarcerated. The criminal justice system can, with the victim’s consent, send an individual charged with domestic violence for the first time to counseling to address addiction, anger, or other issues in lieu of pressing for a conviction and sentence. That’s available only in cases not involving serious injury.
Most individuals placed on this type of diversion have completed their required course of care and avoided the disruption of a criminal sanction, he said.
“It works out really well,” Branscom said.
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For general assistance with dealing with the threat of domestic violence, there is a hotline — (540) 639-1123 — operated by the Radford-based Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley. Those in immediate need should always call 911.
During fiscal year 2025-2026, the hotline received 2,452 calls, and 69 of them came from Floyd County residents, according to Kelly McCoy Meade, who directs the center.
Meade said rural residents sometimes find it harder to get help because of distance, and for that reason the agency seeks space to establish office hours in Floyd. Center representatives have been to Floyd to discuss establishing a local presence, she said.
The Women's Resource Center plans to stage a vigil on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at Bissett Park in Radford. It is open to the public.
