Virginia – Permanent Protective Order In Place, Documented Violations, Police Not Enforcing – What Are My Options?

I’m in Virginia and looking for general guidance and next steps.

I am a single parent living alone with a young child. There is an ongoing situation with neighbors involving repeated unwanted behavior that I have documented through video, photos, and screenshots.

A permanent protective order is already in place. Since it was entered, I have documented multiple incidents that I believe constitute violations of the order, including video evidence. I’ve reported these incidents to law enforcement and provided documentation, but so far no enforcement action has been taken.

The behavior has continued to escalate despite the court order.

I’m trying to understand what procedural options exist when:

• a permanent protective order is already in place

• there are documented suspected violations

• police have taken reports only

I’m specifically looking for guidance on:

• whether it’s appropriate to file complaints directly with a magistrate for PO violations

• how motions to enforce or contempt proceedings typically work in this context

• whether civil remedies such as injunctions or nuisance actions are more appropriate than damages

• how to strengthen documentation for future enforcement

• what practical steps exist when criminal enforcement stalls

I’m also concerned about the practicality of civil damages, as the neighbors appear unlikely to be collectible, so my primary goal is behavioral enforcement and safety rather than monetary recovery.

My focus is on lawful remedies that reduce escalation and help enforce existing court orders.

Any general guidance on how these situations are usually handled in Virginia, or what steps are most effective, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Location: Virginia

Edit: I realize this is very vauge information on my situation. I'm not sure what I should or should not say online given there is a track record of "he said, she said" (hence screenshots with video/photo proof).