The Alexandria Victim-Witness Assistance Program was created to support crime victims and witnesses by helping them navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. The program was established in response to the need for victim-centered services that reduce the trauma of victimization, ensure victims are informed of their rights, and provide crucial emotional and practical support.

Key reasons for its creation include:

• Victim Rights & Advocacy: Ensuring victims receive the rights and protections they are entitled to under the law.
• Support Through the Legal Process: Helping victims understand court procedures, providing court accompaniment, and facilitating communication with prosecutors.
• Crisis Intervention & Assistance: Offering emotional support, referrals to social services, and assistance with financial compensation programs for crime-related expenses.
• Community Safety & Engagement: Encouraging victim participation in the justice process to hold offenders accountable and enhance public safety.

The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office established this program to provide a structured and compassionate response to victims and witnesses, ensuring they receive the necessary support and are not overlooked in the legal process. The Victim-Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) consists of four Victim-Witness Specialists and one Victim-Witness Assistance Program Coordinator. The subsidiary program, VSTOP, was created to specifically assist with domestic violence cases within the city of Alexandria.

The Virginia (VSTOP) Program was established in Alexandria and throughout Virginia to strengthen the state’s response to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other violent crimes against women. Created under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the program enhances victim services, law enforcement training, and prosecution efforts in cases involving domestic and sexual violence.

In Alexandria, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with local domestic violence and sexual assault organizations and law enforcement agencies, works to enhance victim advocacy programs, streamline case management, and ensure survivors receive comprehensive support. This coordinated effort is essential in advancing justice, safety, and empowerment for victims within the community.

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney has a dedicated Domestic Violence Intervention Specialist to assist with these matters. If you are a victim or survivor of domestic abuse, intimate partner violence, or sexual assault, please contact VSTOP for assistance.

The Alexandria Victim-Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), part of the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, provides comprehensive support services in both English and Spanish, including:

• Contacting victims before court dates to answer questions about the legal process when an arrest is made.
• Offering outreach to victims in cases where no arrest is made, including robbery, burglary, felonious assault, abduction, homicide, grand larceny auto, stalking, carjacking, and more.
• Ensuring victims have a voice throughout the criminal justice process.
• Referring victims to social service agencies for emergency financial, medical, or psychological assistance.
• Assisting victims with filing for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund for reimbursement of medical bills, counseling expenses, and other costs.
• Arranging pre-trial meetings between victims and prosecutors, including courtroom tours.
• Providing court accompaniment for victims and their families on the day of hearings.
• Assisting victims with victim impact statements upon request.
• Informing victims of sentencing outcomes and providing parole input or Department of Corrections notification forms.
• Helping victims retrieve property held as evidence.
• Assisting with the collection of overdue restitution.
• Referring victims to local support groups.
• Responding to business robberies to provide crisis intervention and debriefing for employees.

Confidentiality and Privacy Protection

As part of a systems-based prosecution office, the Victim-Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) and VSTOP are not bound by the same confidentiality standards typically associated with other victim support services. However, we are committed to ensuring that your privacy is respected and protected throughout the legal process.

While certain information may be shared within the legal system to assist with the prosecution of a case, we take all necessary precautions to safeguard your personal information. Our team is trained to handle sensitive information with discretion, and we work closely with law enforcement and legal professionals to minimize any unnecessary disclosure of your details.

If you have concerns about privacy or confidentiality, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office for more information on how we can address your needs.

• Call 911 Immediately:
  If you are in immediate danger, the first step is to call 911. Emergency responders will provide immediate assistance, including law enforcement and medical help if needed.

• Contact the Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault Hotline:
  If you are experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, and need immediate support or guidance, contact the relevant hotline:

  Domestic Violence Hotline: 703.746.4911

  Sexual Assault Hotline: 703.683.7273

• Seek Shelter or Safe Space:
  If possible, move to a safe location away from the threat. If you’re not in immediate danger but need help, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or a local shelter.
• Preserve Evidence:
  If you are a victim of a crime, try to preserve any evidence that may assist in the investigation, such as photographs of injuries, threatening messages, or physical evidence.
• Notify the Victim-Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) or VSTOP:
  Once the immediate threat has passed, contact VWAP or VSTOP at (703) 746-4100 for support, legal guidance, and assistance with navigating the criminal justice process. They can provide counseling, court accompaniment, and referrals to other services.
• Document Everything:
  Keep detailed notes of any incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions of what occurred. This documentation can be helpful when working with law enforcement or legal professionals.