The Victims Services Section of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (VDCJS) develops, coordinates, and funds victim/witness programs, sexual assault crisis centers, and programs that combat violence against women, including the V-STOP grant program and the Virginia Domestic Violence Victim Fund. The section offers many services, training, and resources to victim service providers, law enforcement officials, allied professionals, prosecutors, and other local government officials.
If you are a victim of crime, you can contact the DCJS INFO-Line at 1-888-887-3418 for assistance. The INFO-LINE provides victims of crime with information and support. DCJS staff are available to answer the INFO-Line Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Callers will be informed of their rights as victims under Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act and will receive additional information, support, and referrals to programs and resources in their communities.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and you need immediate assistance, please contact the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-838-8238 (V/TTY). Hotline staff are available to help you 24-hours a day.
The 'Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act'
This publication "A Summary of Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act" provides helpful information about the rights and responsibilities of crime victims and witnesses under the 'Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act' (sometimes called the Victims Bill of Rights) and related laws.
These victim's rights laws focus on the provision of information and assistance to victims as their cases proceed through the criminal justice process. Victim/Witness programs, and other local victim assistance programs, can also provide information, support, and assistance to victims outside the formal criminal justice process.
Visit the VDCJS website for more victim assistance brochures and information.