(Posted 2026 July)
Virginia's 2026 General Assembly session was chock-full of legislation supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence. The session includes:
Closing the “boyfriend loophole”: The act expands legal protections and firearm restrictions by adding “intimate partner” to the definition of “family or household member.” An intimate partner is defined as an individual who, within the previous 12 months, was in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with the person, determined by the nature, length, and frequency of their interaction. Under this law, any person convicted of a misdemeanor offense of assault and battery against an intimate partner occurring on or after July 1, 2026, is prohibited from knowingly and intentionally purchasing, possessing, or transporting any firearm for a period of three years following the date of conviction.
A simpler divorce process: This bill allows parties to file for divorce based on separation as soon as the separation begins. The bill also clarifies that a divorce may be granted on the grounds of adultery only if the adultery occurred before the date of the parties’ last separation.
Blocking firearm transfers by people under protective orders: This bill requires a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because they are subject to a protective order or have been convicted of assault and battery against a family or household member to transfer their firearm to another person who is not prohibited by law from possessing firearms. The recipient must be at least 21 years old and can’t live with the prohibited person. The bill also requires the prohibited person to notify the court clerk of the name, address, and signature of the person, licensed firearms dealer, or law enforcement agency that receives the firearm.
Paid medical and family leave: This legislation creates a state-run insurance program that will provide partial wage replacement to eligible workers who need time away from work for certain family, medical, military, or safety-related reasons. The program will be funded through payroll contributions from employers and employees and includes the birth or adoption of a child, an employee’s serious health condition, caring for a seriously ill family member, and safety services for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.
Paid sick leave: This bill allows most employees in Virginia to accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Employees may use accrued sick leave for their own physical or mental health needs, caring for a family member, preventive care or medical appointments, and safety-related needs, including those arising from domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
Stronger stalking protections: The bill expands the legal definition of stalking from in-person events only to include conduct committed through electronically transmitted communication, which includes communication by telephone, computer, or other electronic devices.
Expanded access to financial assistance: This bill authorizes a court to require a person who caused harm to pay or contribute to the rent or mortgage for a residence the survivor has been awarded possession of under the protective order, maintain suitable alternative housing, and maintain utility services to the residence to which the survivor has been granted possession.
These changes went into effect Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division supports adults, teens, and children who have been impacted by domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Services are confidential, free, and provided regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing interpersonal violence, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273 for resources and support. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
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