Anthony Romanello, Beverly Cameron, and Douglas Barnes describe several successful partnerships in Planning District 16 ["Thinking outside the map," Viewpoints, Aug. 19]. They and other local officials should be congratulated on their resident-services focus.

To their examples I would like to add two nonprofit organizations: the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault and Empowerhouse, formerly the Rappahannock Council on Domestic Violence. These nonprofit businesses provide essential services to victims of sexual and domestic violence, and work closely with local jurisdictions. These organizations are on the frontline of assisting victims and promoting prevention.

They, too, deserve recognition for working with localities to provide victim assistance throughout Planning District 16.

Bobby Anderson

Stafford