Virginia - Crime Victims' Rights

Victims' Rights

The Victim Services Unit provides the following services to victims of crime:

• Advocacy on behalf of crime victims.
• Notification of changes in inmate transfers, release date, name change, escape and capture.
• Explanation of parole and probation supervision process.
• Accompaniment to parole board appointments when requested by the victim.
• Provide victims with ongoing support, crisis intervention, information, and referrals.
• Training, education, and public awareness initiatives on behalf of victims of crime.

(Please note that victims must register with the Victim Services Unit to receive notification)

Vine Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)

VINE is a toll-free, 24-hour, anonymous, computer-based telephone service that provides victims of crime two important features, information and notification. Victims may call VINE from any touch-tone telephone, any time, to check on an inmate's custody status. For inmate information, call 1-800-467-4943 and follow the prompts.

Victims may register with VINE for an automated notification call when an inmate is released, transferred, escapes and to learn of an inmate's parole status if the inmate is parole eligible.

Virginia Parole Board

As a victim of crime, you can address the Parole Board if you have any concerns regarding the release of an offender. Victims have the option of voicing their concerns through letters or through an in-person appointment with the Parole Board.

If you would like a staff member of the Department of Corrections, Victim Services Unit to accompany you to the appointment please contact the Department of Corrections, Victim Services Unit.

For more information visit Virginia Department of Corrections.

Resource: Virginia Department of Corrections