VICTIM/WITNESS PROGRAM INFORMATION
The
mission of the Halifax Victim/Witness Assistance Program is to
advocate for and empower individuals who have been victimized by crime
in the county of Halifax. We will provide assistance to any
person who has suffered directly or indirectly, a physical, emotional,
or personal loss as a result of a criminal act. We will provide
services through education and collaboration with community agencies
and organizations. The staff of this program will strive to
ensure that victims and witnesses of crime are treated with respect,
empathy, and compassion while they are involved in the criminal
justice system as it is mandated by the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
WHAT THE VICTIM/WITNESS PROGRAM DOES
TIPS ON TESTIFYING
LOCAL CONTACT NUMBERS
HOW YOU CAN HELP
STUDENT INTERN PROGRAM
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Halifax Victim/Witness Assistance Program
is available to help you understand the court process, your rights,
and your role as a victim or witness. The advocate serves as a
liaison between you, law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney.
Whether you are a victim or a witness of a
crime, you are likely to feel a sense of frustration with the
criminal justice system. The criminal justice system is often
confusing, and we know that you may have special needs and questions
related to your involvement in the justice system. The advocate is
trained to assist you, and the program was developed to ensure that
your rights are enforced and that you receive answers to questions
that you may have. All information disclosed will be
confidential, unless specifically advised otherwise. This web
page was written to familiarize you with the services provided by
our program.
All services are provided at no cost.
WHAT THE PROGRAM DOES
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Provide on-scene crisis intervention
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Provide emotional support to victims and
families during crisis
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Provide information for obtaining a
protective order
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Assist with safety planning in leaving or
remaining in a domestically violent situation
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Make referrals to support groups, shelters,
and other local agencies and services
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Assist with filing Criminal Injuries
Compensation claims
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Accompany the victim to court and be present
during the court session to provide support
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Arrange meetings with family members and
prosecuting attorneys to discuss individual case information
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Provide courtroom tours for child victims
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Assist with completing Victim Impact
Statements
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Assist with seeking restitution
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Assist with obtaining separate waiting areas
during court proceedings
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Provide notification of the defendant's
status if he/she is being held in jail
Important: A victim may obtain
confidentiality at the time of an arrest by filing a Request for
Confidentiality by Crime Victim form (DC-30) with the magistrate,
court, Commonwealth's Attorney, or law enforcement agency.
TIPS ON TESTIFYING
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TELL THE TRUTH! Don't pause to
figure of if your answer will hurt or help the case.
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Try to recall what happened and
picture the scene and the objects there. Don't try to
memorize your testimony; simply be prepared to tell what happened
in your own words.
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Speak clearly and loudly. If you
did not hear the question or understand it, ask the attorney to
repeat it
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Answer only the questions asked of you.
Do not volunteer information and stop immediately if the judge
interrupts or a attorney objects to a question
-
Do not guess or speculate. If
you do not know the answer, say so. If you give an estimate
on time or distance, be sure everyone knows you are estimating.
Just answer truthfully, to the best of your memory.
-
Be courteous. Try to remain calm
and do not lose your temper. Being polite makes a good impression.
LOCAL CONTACT NUMBERS
Halifax County Commonwealth's Attorney's Victim Assistance
Line: 434-476-3393
Halifax County
Commonwealth's Attorney's Office: 434-476-2139
Halifax
Court Services Office: 434-476-3390
Halifax County
Sheriff's Office: 434-476-3334
Town of
South Boston Police: 434-575-7372
Town of
Halifax Police: 434-476-2526
Virginia
State Police: 434-476-1887
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Halifax Victim/Witness Assistance Program
is always in search of volunteers to assist in contacting victims of
crime. Volunteers provide emotional support and information
regarding available resources. Although contact is made primarily
via telephone, volunteers are sometimes asked to accompany victims
to court or assist with office walk-ins.
Please contact the Victim/Witness office if you
are interested in this unique and rewarding volunteer opportunity.
No experience is necessary - training and resources are provided.
STUDENT INTERN PROGRAM
College students in need of at least 150 hours
of work experience have the opportunity to fulfill their internship
requirements with the Victim's Assistance Program. Interested
students should seek information through their faculty advisors or
by calling the Victim's Assistance Program at 434-476-3393.
