Victim Rights, Options and Resources
As a victim or witness of a crime, you have certain rights under Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act. There are specific steps you must take to take advantage of these rights (see below).
Important Phone Numbers
Virginia Tech Police Department ⟶ 540-231-6411
New River Valley 911 ⟶ 540-382-4343
New River Valley ACCESS ⟶ 540-961-8400
Schiffert Health Center ⟶ 540-231-6444
Virginia Tech Women’s Center ⟶ 540-231-7806
Montgomery County Magistrate’s Office ⟶ 540-382-6925
Victim/Witness Assistance ⟶ 540-382-5705
Cook Counseling Center ⟶ 540-231-6557
Title IX ⟶ 540-231-1824
As required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, Virginia Tech conducts an administrative investigation in all instances of sexual assault. The Director for Compliance and Conflict Resolution, in the Office of Equity and Accessibility, serves as the Title IX Coordinator and is responsible for overseeing said administrative investigations.
The Title IX Coordinator may be contacted by phone at 540-231-1824.
VINE is a network that provides victims of a crime, survivors, and all concerned citizens with access to reliable information regarding offenders or criminal cases in the United States’ jails and prisons. Registration allows for automated notifications through email, text, or phone call, and individuals can check custody status information online at any time.
For more information or to register today, visit vinelink.com
As the Victim of a Crime, you may be Entitled to:
Protection
Financial assistance and social services, including the Criminal Justice Compensation Fund
Address and telephone number confidentiality
Closed preliminary hearing or use of closed-circuit television, for victims of a sexual offense
Separate waiting area during court proceedings
The right to remain in the courtroom during a criminal trial or proceeding
Obtaining protection
Obtaining property held by law enforcement agencies
Receiving intercession services with your employer
Obtaining advanced notice of court proceedings
Receiving the services of an interpreter
Preparing a Victim Impact Statement
Seeking restitution
Changes in court dates
Changes in the status of the defendant, if they are being held in a jail or correctional facility
The opportunity to prepare a written Victim Impact Statement prior to sentencing of a defendant
As the Witness of a Crime, you may be Entitled to:
- Protection
- Address and telephone number confidentiality
- Separate waiting area during court proceedings
- Obtaining protection
- Receiving intercession services with your employer
- Receiving the services of an interpreter
What You Need to Do
- To request address and telephone number confidentiality you must file a Request for Confidentiality by Crime Victim Form (DC 301) with the Magistrate, court, Commonwealth's Attorney, or law enforcement agency in the locality where the crime occurred.
- To receive notice of scheduled court dates for preliminary hearings, trials, sentencing hearings, and other proceedings in your case, you must provide the Commonwealth’s Attorney, in writing, your current name, address, and telephone number.
- To receive information about the release or change in status of a defendant, you must provide the Sheriff, Jail Superintendent, or Department of Corrections (depending on where the defendant is held), in writing, your current name, address, telephone number, and the name of the defendant.
Crime Prevention Resources:
VTPD's Community Services Unit offers many classes and presentations about crime prevention and law enforcement, including free Self Defense classes:
RAD for Women: Rape Aggression Defense
RAD for Men: Resisting Aggression with Defense.