West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services Story Archives

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. A program expansion in West Virginia aims to address that.

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.

Harrison County Survivors Of Domestic, Sexual Violence Can Now Testify Remotely

A new remote outreach program means survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Harrison County can now seek justice in the courtroom without having to share a room with their assailants.

Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Harrison County can now seek justice without sharing a courtroom with their assailants.

Marion County-based nonprofit HOPE, Inc. is now offering a remote outreach program for survivors, which allows them to file safety order petitions and participate in hearings without visiting the county courthouse in person.

Survivors can participate in remote court sessions from the nonprofit’s office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The program expansion was announced by the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in a press release Wednesday. Chief Justice Tim Armstead said the remote outreach program can help survivors “seek the protection of the courts in a safe and less intimidating setting.”

The program, known as the Remote Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Outreach Program, is funded through the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services, as well as the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services.

With the expansion, Harrison County joins eight other counties across West Virginia in offering remote court proceedings to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The program is also available in Cabell, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Ohio, Wayne and Wood counties.

“We will continue to look for opportunities to expand this service throughout West Virginia,” Armstead said.

HOPE, Inc. can be reached during working hours at 304-624-9835, or during any time of day at the nonprofit’s 24-hour hotline, 304-367-1100. For more information, visit the organization’s website.

Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Harrison County can still file safety orders any time of day through the county’s magistrate court by calling 911.

Researchers to Study Crime Reporting in the State

Researchers plan to survey West Virginia residents about their experiences with crime as part of a study of crime reporting in the state.

Other study topics include residents’ willingness to seek help from law enforcement and their perceptions of the criminal justice system and community safety.

The three-year study is funded by a $448,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant awarded to the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services.

Division director Rick Staton says in a news release that data from the study will complement existing crime data reported by law enforcement.

The survey will be conducted by the Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center with assistance from West Virginia University’s Research Center on Violence.

State Awards $1.5 Million to Child Advocacy Centers

More than $1.5 million has been awarded to child advocacy centers in West Virginia.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s office says the funds will go to 20 projects across the state. The money will assist local non-profit child advocacy centers in addressing child abuse and neglect.

The state grant funding is coordinated through the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services. It provides financial support to child advocacy centers in need of supplemental financial assistance.