Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney

VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 200
Manassas, VA 20110
PHONE: 703-792-8220 - FAX: 703-792-8118
E-MAIL: [email protected]

The Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), administered by the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Amy Ashworth, was established in 1989 to assist crime victims and their families through the criminal justice process. The primary purpose of this program is to provide information, support and assistance to those who are emotionally, financially and physically affected as the result of a crime. The Program currently staffs seventeen (17) employees, five of whom are supported by a Department of Criminal Justice Services grant, as well as volunteers to support crime victims and witnesses in Prince William County, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.

VIRGINIA'S CRIME VICTIM AND WITNESS RIGHTS ACT

If you have been the victim of a crime or a witness to a crime, our role is to help you understand your rights and know where to go for assistance. VWAP provides information and explanations of Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act (Virginia Code 19.2-11.01) and services including but not limited to --

Information about:

• The criminal justice process and your role as a victim/witness.
• Case Manager court accompaniment for victims and their families on the day of hearings.
• Protective orders (if applicable).
• Arranging pre-trial meetings between victims and prosecutors, including courtroom tours.
• Financial assistance, including the Virginia Victims Fund and restitution.
• Address and telephone confidentiality.
• Availability of separate waiting areas during court proceedings.
• Assisting victims with victim impact statements upon request (if applicable).

Notification of:

• Changes in court dates.
• Significant developments in a case such as possible plea offers (if applicable).
• Defendant's custody status and bond conditions if released from jail.
• Opportunity to prepare a written Victim Impact Statement prior to sentencing of a defendant on felony cases.
• Informing victims of sentencing outcomes and providing parole input or Department of Corrections notification forms.

Assistance with:

• Filling out forms for the Virginia Victims Fund
• Referring victims to social service agencies for emergency financial, medical, or psychological assistance.
• Collection of overdue restitution.
• Receiving the services of an interpreter

View the Victim Witness Frequently Asked Questions, or click on the links for more information (below):