The Victim Services Unit, located in the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, helps ensure fair and compassionate treatment to crime victims whether or not an arrest has been made.

As a victim or witness, your role is an important one but the responsibilities may be unfamiliar to you. We will attempt to make you familiar with the steps involved in bringing your case to trial and with the services that are available to assist you in this difficult time.

Please call the Newport News Victim Services Unit if:

• You have questions about your role as a witness
• You would like an explanation of court procedures
• You would like a tour of the courtroom before you testify
• You would like a separate waiting room during the proceedings
• You need a referral for housing, financial, medical, or counseling assistance
• You would like to be notified of the status of your case
• You would like to be notified of the offender's status
• You want assistance in preparing your Victim Impact Statement

Victim and Witness Resources

• Criminal Justice Process Support and Explanation
• Courtroom Tours
• Confidentiality Forms (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Free download)
• Accompaniment to Court
• Trial Preparation Assistance
• Location and Directions

Financial Assistance

• Restitution
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
• Referrals to Social Services

Victim Input

• Victim Impact Statement and Preparation
• Parole Input
• Right to Remain in Courtroom

Notifications

• Notice of Court Dates
• Release of Prisoners
• Notice of Appeal and Habeas Corpus
• Case Status Information
• Status of Bond
• Crime Victim and Witness Notification Act
• Department of Corrections Inmate Status Information System
• Department of Corrections Victim Notification Form [Microsoft Word document (.doc)]

Protection

• Protective Orders
• Separate Waiting Rooms
• Referral to Community Services
• Safety Planning

Specialized Services

• Sexual Assault Victims
• Domestic Assault Victims
• Stalking Victims

Other Resources

• State Victim Resources
• Virginia Department of Corrections
• Crime Victim's Bill of Rights (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Free download)
• State Police Sex Offender Registry

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