Victim Witness Program
Susan B. Williams, Victim Witness Director
The Smyth County Victim Witness Program is here to help you. Roy F. Evans, Jr., Smyth County Commonwealth’s Attorney, established the program through state and federal grants in 1997.
Susan Williams, the director, provides information on services to crime victims and witnesses.
The Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act recognizes that anyone suffering physical, emotional or financial harm as a direct result of a felony or certain misdemeanor crimes, are victims in need of assistance. This also includes spouses, children, parents and guardians of certain victims.
The Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act (usually referred to as the Victims’ Bill of Rights) was made law by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995. The purpose of the law is to ensure that victims and witnesses of crime: are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity and that their privacy is protected where the law allows; are informed of their rights; have opportunities to make the courts aware of the full impact of the crime; receive authorized services; have the opportunity to be heard at critical stages of the criminal justice process.
The law provides several rights: Victims have the right to remain in the courtroom during trial and during all hearings which the defendant may attend, unless the judge has determined that the victim is a material witness; when practicable, prosecutors must give victims, or any adults chosen by a victim under the age of eighteen, advance notice of judicial proceedings (such as bail or bond hearings, preliminary hearings and trial dates.)
Victims must be informed of financial assistance and social services available , including crime victims’ compensation (Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund).
In some cases, victims may present a Victim Impact Statement which explains to the judge how the crime(s) affected them.
Defendants convicted of certain property crimes may be ordered to make restitution for property damages or loss or actual medical expenses incurred by the victim.
If requested in writing, Sheriffs, jail superintendents and the Department of Corrections must notify victims, or person designated in writing by the victims of the release, transfer, escape or change of name of a prisoner, to certain crime victims.
Victim Witness Volunteer and Internship Opportunities
How you can help
The Victim Witness Program needs the support of the community in order to continue to provide services to victims of violent crime. Listed below are ways in which you may want to assist:
Volunteers
Volunteers are an important component of the program and are constantly in demand. Volunteers must meet professional standards, pass a background check, and be willing to share a valuable resource with us: their time.
Internships
If you are a high school senior or a college student, an internship at the Smyth County Victim Witness Program can provide you with hands-on training in the criminal justice system, specifically working with crime victims.
For More InformationPlease contact the Victim/Witness Program Coordinator:
Susan B. Williams, Victim Witness Director
Victim Witness Program
Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney
109 W. Main St., Room 2104
Marion, VA 24354
Phone: 276-782-4061
Email: victim.witness@smythcounty.org
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RESOURCES
- Marion Police Department
- Chilhowie Police Department
- Saltville Police Department
- Smyth County Sheriff's Office
- Virginia State Police
- Mount Rogers Community Services Board (Mount Rogers Community Services provides a wide array of community services for individuals with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. All services include the use of person-centered planning and embrace concepts of self-determination, empowerment, and recovery as core principles in supporting individuals to achieve their highest possible level of participation in work, relationships, and all aspects of community life)
- Smyth County Public Schools
- Smyth County Chamber of Commerce (The mission of the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Incorporated, is to become an exemplary force, partner and resource in conscientious economic and community-wide planning, advancement, and sustainability; workforce and civic leadership training, recruitment and development; and countywide collaborative partnership initiatives. We are your connection to building community and cultivating your future & success.
- Marion Redevelopment & Housing Authority (Marion Redevelopment and Housing Authority provides housing through the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs)
- VAWA Notice
•Smyth County Department of Social Services (DSS administers the following Benefit Assistance programs: TANF – Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program), Medicaid, Auxiliary Grant, and Energy assistance). In addition, our Service programs include: Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, Adult Services, Child Day Care Services and Employment Services.
•Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society (Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society (SVLAS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit law firm. We provide free, high quality civil legal services to low-income residents of 17 counties and four small cities in southwestern Virginia)
•Family Resource Center (non-profit organization providing shelter, education, and support services to males, females, and children who have experienced, been impacted by or exposed to domestic or sexual violence, abuse, neglect, and stalking).
•Children’s Advocacy Center (The Children’s Advocacy Center of Highlands Community Services leverages the efforts of law enforcement, prosecutors, medical and mental health providers, social workers, and others to provide a seamless, comprehensive system of support for child victims of sexual and physical abuse, and neglect)
•Virginia Victims Fund (The Virginia Victims Fund (VVF) is a state program created to help victims of violent crime with out-of-pocket expenses. These can include medical bills, prescriptions, funeral expenses, and many other expenses)
•Virginia Department of Corrections (Search for an offender's location and release date if they are incarcerated and under the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC).
VineLink - VINE is the nation’s leading victim notification network. It allows survivors, victims of crime, and other concerned citizens to access timely and reliable information about offenders or criminal cases in U.S. jails and prisons. Register to receive automated notifications via email, text, or phone call, or check custody status information online at any time.
•NAAVI (The VADOC NAAVI portal is a free service that provides the Commonwealth with information and resources to assist crime victims. Registration is required for crime victims to receive notification/status updates about inmates serving 12 months or more of incarceration pursuant to Virginia Code § 19.2?11.01.
This program is designed to provide you with quick and easy access to information and to assist you in preparing for an inmate’s release and community supervision).
- Office of Attorney General
- National Center for Victims of Crime
- Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence
- Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Victim Services
- U.S Department of Justice
- Victim Connect: Stalking
- National Crime Victim Bar Association
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Virginia Judicial System
- Identity Theft Resource Center
- Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Office for Victims of Crime
- Virginia ICAN (Protective Orders) - I-CAN! Virginia is a free online program that provides assistance with the preparation of court forms required to file for a protective order. I-CAN! Virginia is also available in Spanish.
- Hope Cards
SERVICESProvide on request information on any significant developments in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
- Provide information which explains steps in the criminal justice system and details victims' rights.
- Inform of restitution and monitor payments.
- Assistance in protection of victims and witnesses from harm and threats of harm arising our of their cooperation with the law enforcement and prosecution of the case.
- Assist in the return of property.
- Notify victims and witnesses of continuances and cancellations.
- Provide information concerning final disposition of cases and negotiations on plea agreements
- Provide liaison services between claimants and the Division of Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.
- Provide information on financial assistance available.
- Provide information on social services available and make referrals to appropriate agencies.
- Provide emergency assistance, such as food, shelter/referrals for these services.
- Provide employer intercession.
- Provide separate waiting areas during court procedures.
- 24-hour on call for victims, law enforcement and witnesses.
- Assist in the preparation of victim impact statements.
- Provide public awareness presentations to schools and community groups/basic training and in-service.
- Provide crisis intervention and short-term counseling.
- Provide courtroom tours, accompaniment and support.
- Provide hospital accompaniment and support
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Brochures10 documents
- Brochure for Smyth County Victim/Witness Program
- Informational Guide for Domestic Violence Victims
- Protective Order Guide for Victims
- Legal Aid Brochure
- VINE Brochure
- NAAVI Brochure
- Restitution in Virginia
- Going to Court Activity Book for Children
- Stalking-A Guide for Victims
- Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Guide