Who We Are
Our mission: “Safer Virginia educates families and communities seeking to protect children and restore families affected by sexual abuse. Safer Virginia supports research-based sexual offense laws and policies that enhance public safety, safeguard civil liberties, and focus on prevention, healing, and restoration.”
Safer Virginia is a 501(c)(3) which supports the men and women of the Commonwealth required to register with the Virginia State Police, as well as friends and family members who understand the uphill battle those on the registry face. We prove resources, moral support, and assistance when able.
Our sister organization, Safer Virginia Action Fund, is a 501(c)(4) that engages in lobbying efforts to stem the tide of knee-jerk legislative action and promote sensible changes to the onerous registration regime currently in place.
Safer Virginia has been operational as a one-man effort since 2006. It was incorporated in 2017 and quickly became the Virginia affiliate for NARSOL–the National Association of Rational Sex Offense Laws. Safer Virginia Action Fund was created in 2022 in order to solicit contributions while maintaining lobbying efforts.
In order to further its mission, Safer Virginia takes positions that promote the safety and welfare of sexual assault victims and other people affected by sexual abuse, so long as they do not upend the lives of citizens living peaceful notwithstanding their registry requirements.
Safer Virginia does not in any way condone illegal sexual activity, including but not limited to sexual relations between adults and children.. We do not advocate lowering the age of consent, and we have no affiliation with any group that does condone such activities.
Board Members
President
Zachary Jesse president@safervirginia.org
Zach has been on the registry since 2004. He has served as president of Safer Virginia since its incorporation in 2017. In 2011, Zach received the John Marshall scholarship (tantamount to a full ride) to the University of Richmond School of Law. While there, he served on the University of Richmond Law Review, its Moot Court Board, and was twice elected by his peers to the law school’s Honor Counsel. He graduated magna cum laude in 2014 and was inducted into the McNeil Honor Society and Order of the Coif for graduating in the top 10% of his class. He is one of only a handful of registrants nationwide to be award a law license (District of Columbia). Currently, he guides budding law graduates preparing for bar exams in a variety of jurisdictions.
Secretary
David Smith
David was convicted in 2016 and subjected to 16 and ½ months of solitary confinement. Upon his release, he was required to register and became active in criminal justice reform. He built the Virginia Coalition on Solitary Confinement into a bipartisan powerhouse that achieved the virtual elimination of solitary confinement under a Republican administration in 2023. He is a graduate of the inaugural Dream.org Justice Cohort. He has built relationships with key legislators across the political spectrum throughout Virginia. In addition to his work with Safer Virginia, David runs Inthrive: Advocacy Solutions, a lobbying, strategic planning and training organization. He also serves as president of the Inthrive Film Festival, which showcases the cinematic works of justice-impacted individuals.
Treasurer
JP Welch
JP founded Safer Virginia in 2006. He provides sage counsel when called upon, but largely has retired from advocacy work.
Contact Safer Virginia
Get in touch with us!
Email us:
info@safervirginia.org
Send us a letter:
Safer Virginia
PO Box 4289
Richmond, VA 23220-8289
Call us:
(804) 525-9186
Please understand that Safer Virginia is a small enterprise that is run by volunteers. While we attempt to answer all requests, it is often difficult to address everything. Please have patience, and do not feel slighted if responses take a while.
