VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Alleghany Highlands Victim/Witness Assistance Program (AHVWAP) is designed to advocate for victim’s legislated rights according to the Crime Victim’s and Witness Rights Act (Code of Virginia §19.2-11.01). To name only a few of these rights: protection from threats and harm arising from prosecution efforts; defendant/inmate status updates; separate waiting area during court proceedings; when practical, advanced notice and right to watch all judicial proceedings relating to their case; courtroom assistance which includes protection of victim’s confidentiality, explanation of procedures, and closed preliminary hearings for juvenile victims of certain cases; the right to enter a Victim Impact Statement in most felony cases; assistance with the protective order process; awareness of emergency law enforcement services; sheltering options for the displaced; referrals for local counseling services; availability of community financial resources; right to file for criminal restitution; right to file claim with the Virginia Victims’ Fund for monetary compensation; and more.
OUR MISSION
The primary mission for the AHVWAP is to provide direct services defined as those efforts that respond to the physical and emotional needs of victims of crime; assist to stabilize their lives after victimization; assist them with understanding of and participation in the criminal justice system; and to provide them with information and referrals for services throughout.
Specifically, the staff of the AHVWAP are here to provide direct services to victims by assisting them in knowing their rights and options; awareness of all emergency service providers; assist in the court protective order process; crisis intervention; referrals to other victim service providers including for confidential and protected housing; referrals for counseling; aid in completing of various forms; both pre-trial and post-trial notifications; offer emotional support and more.
If you have been the victim of a crime please call the Alleghany Highlands Victim/Witness Assistance Program at 540.965.6366 to inquire on all free services that are available to you.
Criminal offenses include...
but are certainly not limited to: homicide; malicious wounding; abduction; strangulation; assault; acts of domestic violence; sexual assault against an adult; sexual battery against a juvenile; violation of protective order; acts of physical threat; stalking; child or elder abuse; arson; identity theft; larceny; and destruction of property. Crimes under Virginia law vary from felony crimes against a person down to misdemeanor crimes of property, and all of which leave a victim affected by such action.
Victim/Witness Assistance Program
is excited to announce further expansions of both a third county and a fourth staff member. On July 1, 2016 this program acquired the funding to provide full victim services to the residents of Bath County, Virginia. Then on July 1, 2018 they acquired an award of additional funding to provide victim services to the residents of Highland County, Virginia. This expansion into Highland County has been in the process for some time now, and makes this program the only regional Victim/Witness Assistance Program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The AHVWAP now serves Alleghany, Bath and Highland counties, which includes the City of Covington and Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate. The main office for this program is located in the basement of the Alleghany County Courthouse, and they have a satellite office in Bath County. This program is funded by an ongoing grant through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services; is administered by the County of Alleghany; and is managed through the Alleghany County Commonwealths’ Attorney’s Office. This staff works closely with all court officials, law enforcement and community agencies with identified victims. This program can also assist witnesses of crime.
