Victim Witness Assistance Program

COVID-19 Updates:

All cases (with the exception of those listed below) scheduled in York/Poquoson General District Court through Monday, April 6, 2020 are being continued. If you have received a subpoena for a  prior to this date you will not need to appear. The following cases will be still be heard as scheduled: 

Protective Orders

Bond Hearings

Arraignments

Please contact the GDC Clerk's office (757) 890-3450 or the Victim Witness Program (757) 890-3402 with any questions.

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Due to Public Safety and Health Concerns related to COVID-19, there will be limited access to the York-Poquoson Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court until April 1.

All cases of the following type have been continued:

• Child Support

• Civil Custody & Visitation

• Adult Criminal Cases (Defendant is not incarcerated)

• Juvenile Delinquency Criminal Cases (Juvenile is not in detention)

Witnesses subpoenaed for these matters are excused from appearing.

If your case has been continued, please contact one of the following offices:

• J&DR Clerk's Office - 757-890-3470

• Commonwealth's Attorney - 757-890-3401

For all other case types, please report to court as scheduled. Only emergency motions will be received at the courthouse during this period.

For Court Service Unit Information (Juvenile Probation), call 757-890-3480.

www.yorkcounty.gov/932/Juvenile-Domestic-Relations-Court


March is Women's History Month

If you are a victim of, or witness to, a crime we are here to help you. Virginia law gives crime victims and witnesses many rights. The "Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act" (Victims Bill of Rights) was made law by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995. The purpose of this law is to ensure that victims and witnesses of crime:

  • Are informed of their rights
  • Are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity and that their privacy is protected where the law allows
  • Have opportunities to make the courts aware of the full impact of the crime
  • Have the opportunity to be heard at critical stages of the criminal justice process
  • Receive authorized services

Our role is to help you understand your rights and know where to go for services. We can help you with:

  • Counseling/support group referrals
  • Explaining what to expect in court                                          
  • Food and shelter                                                                 
  • Accompanying you to court hearings                
  • Keeping you updated about your case
  • Medical bills and other out-of-pocket losses
  • Protection                                                              

 About the Program

The York-Poquoson Victim-Witness Assistance Program is located in the York-Poquoson Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. It was established in 1986 and is partially funded by a grant from the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

The current director, Anika Virgin, has been with the program since 2002. The assistant director, Lori West, has been with the program since 2009. The program also has a full time victim advocate, Arielle Hendrix, as well as part time program assistant, Linda Austin. Victim Witness also utilizes interns and volunteers to provide assistance.