Marion, Monongalia County Survivors Of Violence Can Now Seek Justice Remotely

For many survivors, testifying publicly about experiences of violence can be intimidating and overwhelming, according to the national nonprofit Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

A program that aims to remove barriers to reporting sexual or domestic violence and seeking justice has expanded to two new counties in West Virginia.

Residents of Marion and Monongalia counties are now eligible to participate in the state’s Remote Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals announced in a press release Monday.

The program allows survivors to file petitions and participate in hearings remotely from local violence prevention nonprofits.

Monongalia County residents will be able to participate in trial proceedings remotely from the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center in Morgantown, and Marion County residents can participate from Fairmont’s HOPE, Inc.

“This program allows us to make our court system more accessible by allowing West Virginians to seek the protection of the courts in a safe and less intimidating setting,” Chief Justice Tim Armstead said in Monday’s press release. “At the same time, those accused of domestic violence, stalking, rape or dating violence still have the right to face their accusers through remote technology.”

The program is funded by the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services, as well as the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services.

The admission of two new counties to the program brings the total number of participating counties to 11. Most recently, Harrison County joined the program in August.

Armstead said the state’s supreme court aims to expand the program further.