The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Program Professional Standards are voluntary accreditation standards and measures by which sexual and domestic violence programs can be evaluated. This site provides information to any sexual and/or domestic violence program interested in becoming an accredited sexual assault, domestic violence, or dual program agency. Below is the link to the Professional Standards Manual. To begin this process, please read the Manual thoroughly.
Professional Standards Manual for Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs
After reading the Manual, you may complete the Professional Standards Organizational Self-Assessment to determine your agency's readiness for the application process.
Professional Standards Organizational Self-Assessment
Each year, the Professional Standards Team will announce a time period during which the application process for accreditation will begin. To participate in the application process, you must first submit a Professional Standards Organizational Self-Assessment Summary to the Professional Standards Team via their email at sdvstandards@dcjs.virginia.gov. Self-Assessment Summaries will only be accepted during the time periods announced by the Team.
Professional Standards Organizational Self-Assessment Summary
The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Program Professional Standards Guidelines for Processes and Procedures contains a great deal of useful information regarding the accreditation process and the procedures used by the Professional Standards Team. It is highly recommended that you review this document prior to submitting the Organizational Self-Assessment Summary.
Agencies who have been accredited are required to complete an Annual Verification of Compliance form by July 1st every year. This form is only required to be completed by agencies accredited on or after July 1, 2025.
Annual Verification of Compliance
Please contact DCJS's Professional Standards Team for more information or to request assistance.