West Virginia law
Domestic Violence Laws in West Virginia.
West Virginia's principal civil-protection remedy is the Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) under W. Va. Code § 48-27. DVPOs are heard in Magistrate Court (for emergency orders) and the Family Court (for final orders). West Virginia also recognizes Personal Safety Orders (W. Va. Code § 53-8) for stalking, sexual assault, and harassment victims who do not qualify as household members. West Virginia's criminal domestic-battery statute (W. Va. Code § 61-2-28) carries enhanced penalties for repeat offenses.
Last verified: 2026-04-20
State law
Key West Virginia Statutes
West Virginia's civil-protection-order statute for domestic violence. Emergency orders issued by Magistrate Court; final orders issued by Family Court.
Civil-protection remedy for stalking, sexual assault, and harassment victims outside the family or household context.
West Virginia's criminal domestic-battery statute — first offense is a misdemeanor, with enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.
Next step
Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.
If you want help applying this information to your situation, start with guided help or browse attorneys for this issue in West Virginia.
More in West Virginia
Other state law topics.
Personal Injury Laws·Criminal Defense Laws·Family Laws·Immigration Laws·Employment Laws·Bankruptcy Laws·Medical Malpractice Laws·Workers' Compensation Laws·Social Security Disability Laws·Wrongful Death Laws·Product Liability Laws·Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws·Estate Planning Laws·Probate Laws·Real Estate Laws·Landlord & Tenant Laws·Business Laws·Intellectual Property Laws·Tax Laws·Elder Laws·Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Laws·Civil Rights Laws·Veterans Legal Services Laws·Healthcare & Benefits Laws·Construction Defect Laws·Insurance Disputes Laws·Premises Liability Laws·Commercial Litigation Laws·Environmental Laws·Securities & Finance Laws·Municipal Laws·Administrative Laws