More Domestic Violence Victims Able To Seek Protection Remotely

Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Mercer and McDowell counties will now be able to seek court protections remotely, thanks to a program that’s expanding in West Virginia.

The Remote Victim Outreach Program is supported by the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. It provides petitioners in sexual assault and domestic violence cases the option of filing petitions and participating in court hearings remotely. 

Previously, individuals had to go in person to magistrate court to file petitions for domestic violence protective orders or personal safety orders. They would also have to appear in magistrate and family court to attend follow-up hearings in person.

“The Remote Victim Outreach Program is designed to use remote video technology so that victims of domestic violence, stalking, rape or dating violence can seek the protections of the court in a safe, less intimidating setting,” Chief Justice William R. “Bill” Wooton said.

Through the program, individuals in these counties will have the option to file petitions and participate in court hearings remotely from a local Stop Abusive Family Environments, Inc. (SAFE, Inc.) family crisis center.

Individuals in Mercer County will be able to use the SAFE, Inc. facility for petitions and remote hearings on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Mercer County facility’s contact number is (304) 487-8484 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and 24/7 at (800) 688-6157.

Individuals in McDowell County will be able to use the SAFE, Inc. facility for petitions and remote hearings on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The McDowell County facility’s contact number is (681) 201-2138 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 24/7 at (800) 688-6157.

Mercer and McDowell counties are the 13^th and 14^th counties in West Virginia to participate in the remote program. Other active counties include Cabell, Greenbrier, Harrison, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Marion, Monongalia, Ohio, Wayne and Wood.

The Remote Victim Outreach Program is made possible by federal grant funding provided through the state Division of Justice and Community Services and the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services.

“This program helps to ensure our justice system is accessible to our citizens when they need it most and we look forward to facilitating its continued expansion across our state,” Chief Justice Wooton said.
More information about Safe, Inc. is available on their website.