NCJ Number
85985
Date Published
1982
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This report examines the scope of victim/witness services currently available in Virginia, the benefits of such programs for the criminal justice system as well as victims and witnesses, and program models.
Abstract
Virginia began a program of victim compensation in 1978. Although funds are appropriated by the General Assembly, the monies for the program come from fees assessed against certain defendants upon conviction. There is a maximum award of $10,000, except for victims over 65. Additionally, an emergency award of up to $1,000 may be given. Each Commonwealth Attorney's office is responsible for making any necessary referrals to any social or medical provider on behalf of a victim or witness. Although many Virginia communities do not have formal victim-witness assistance programs, most communities have programs for certain types of victims, such as rape victims, child abuse victims, and elderly victims. Nine communities have either a formal victim-witness assistance program or a victim assistance program. The basic thrust of these programs is to humanize the adjudicatory process for the victim and the witness by keeping them fully informed of the progress of their case and the programs for which they might be eligible. Major problems of the programs are (1) lack of publicity, (2) lack of coordination between programs and existing community service agencies, (3) lack of funding, and (4) duplication in programs and community service agencies. Victim-witness assistance programs not only benefit the witnesses and victims but also the police, the prosecution, the court, and society in general. Model program designs are provided for a combined victim-witness program and separate victim and witness assistance programs.