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General Victim Witness Assistance Information
Important Phone Numbers
- New Kent Sheriff's Office: 804-966-9500
- New Kent Social Services: 804-966-1853
- New Kent Victim-Witness Assistance Program: 804-966-9604
- New Kent Commonwealth's Attorney's Office: 804-966-5548
- Adult Protective Service Hotline: 888-832-3858
- Child Protective Service Hotline: 800-552-7096
- Shelters and Support:
Avalon: 757-258-5051, http://avaloncenter.org/ (See "Domestic Violence Resources")
- Project Hope: 1-877-966-4357, 804-966-8720
After the Incident
- You may be contacted by an investigator for a follow-up interview
- You may be contacted by a victim advocate
- You may be required to appear in court to testify
- By law, you are allowed to take time off work for court appearances (VA Code §40.1-28.7:2)
- Contact law enforcement if you are threatened or intimidated by the accused, companions or friends of the accused, or family members of the accused
Law Enforcement Response
- When law enforcement responds to an incident of family violence, the law requires officers to:
- Make an arrest if probable cause exists
- File a report, regardless if arrest is made
- Provide information regarding legal and community resources
- Provide a summary report to abused person, upon request
- Petition for an Emergency Protective Order, if there is a possibility of further danger
- Transport (or arrange for transport) the abused person to a hospital, safe shelter or magistrate.
- If an EPO is obtained, you will be served with a copy
- If a warrant is obtained, the charges will be prosecuted by the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, who makes decisions concerning the prosecution of the case
Victim's Rights
As a victim of a crime, you may be entitled to a variety of rights and services under Virginia law, such as:Information about:
- Protection
- Financial assistance, including social services and Criminal Injuries
- Compensation Fund
- Address & phone number confidentiality
- Separate waiting areas
- Closed preliminary hearing or closed circuit TV (in sexual assault cases)
- Remaining in the courtroom during Proceedings
- Making a Victim Impact Statement
Assistance in:
- Obtaining protection
- Recovering property held by law Enforcement
- Intercession with your employer to attend Court
- Obtaining advanced notice of court proceedings or plea agreements
- Receiving the services of an interpreter
Notification of:
- Bond hearings
- Changes in court dates
- Release of an incarcerated defendant
- Defendant's appeals/Habeas Corpus proceedings or parole hearings (if applicable)
For a complete list of the rights and services available to you, obtain a copy of 'An Informational Guide to Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act.'
Some of these rights require a written request. In addition, you must provide your current address and contact information and update that information when it changes.
For more information about your rights as a victim or a witness, or to receive these and other services, contact the New Kent Victim Witness Assistance Program:
12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124
Protective Orders
To begin the process:
- Complete a Petition at the Court Services Unit (married, shared child, family members) or General District Court Clerk's Office (dating partners). You can:
- Ask for no further acts of abuse and/or no contact
- Request temporary possession of a home, vehicle, and/or pet
- Request temporary custody of children
2. Receive a hearing date from JDR Court
3. Appear on the hearing date to explain to the judge why you are seeking a protective order
- Describe what happened in detail
- Show any injuries or damaged property
- Keep your final order in a safe place
4. Protective Orders do not go into effect until the abuser is served.
List of legal terms (PDF) used for your convenience.
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Karen Mortensen
Program DirectorPhone: (804) 966-9604
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Victim Witness Assistance
Physical Address
New Kent County Courthouse
12001 Courthouse Circle
New Kent, VA 23124
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 150
New Kent, VA 23124
Phone: (804) 966-9604
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm