Virginia RULES Teens Learn & Live the Law Victims’ Rights

Lesson Goal: To make students aware of the rights of victims of crime in Virginia. To make students aware of the rights of victims of crime in Virginia.

Students Will Learn: Provisions of Virginia’s Victims Bill of Rights Provisions of Virginia’s Victims Bill of Rights Examples of rights of victims and witnesses Examples of rights of victims and witnesses Assistance available to victims and witnesses of crime Assistance available to victims and witnesses of crime What domestic and sexual assault violence are What domestic and sexual assault violence are Assistance available to victims of domestic and sexual violence Assistance available to victims of domestic and sexual violence

Virginia law contains a Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act, usually referred to as the Victims Bill of Rights. (Code of Virginia § ) Virginia’s Victims Bill of Rights

Who is a Victim? Virginia’s Victims Bill of Rights recognizes victims as anyone who has suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a direct result of a crime. When the victim is a minor (under 18 years of age), the definition of victim includes his or her parents or guardians. Virginia’s Victims Bill of Rights

Have opportunity to make the courts aware of the full impact of crime Are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity and have their privacy protected Are informed of their rights Receive authorized services Are heard at all critical stages of the criminal justice process Virginia’s Victims Bill of Rights Is intended to ensure that crime victims:

Being notified of court dates Remaining in the courtroom during hearings Giving victim impact statements at sentencing hearings The victim impact statement gives the victim the opportunity to tell the court, in writing, the impact of the crime(s). Victims may also be given the opportunity to testify, at the sentencing hearing, regarding the impact of the crime(s). Which Specific Rights Do Victims Have?

If the victim or witness cannot speak English or is hearing impaired, a court-approved interpreter may be appointed to assist during the criminal justice process, at no cost to the victim. If a victim or witness is worried about having to wait in an area near the defendant or defense witnesses, a separate waiting area for victims and witnesses may be provided. In some cases, victims may receive financial assistance. Other Provisions of the Victims Bill of Rights

Crime victims may also bring civil lawsuits against perpetrators or other responsible parties to hold them accountable for harm suffered. The specific rights victims have depend on case circumstances. In all cases specific information is available from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and/or the victim/witness program staff in your locality. Other Provisions of the Victims Bill of Rights

Summarizes victims rights and lists some specific steps Two key resources listed on the card include: - - Virginia Crime Victim Assistance INFO-LINE Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline DCJS Card: Crime Victim and Witness Rights

Domestic violence is a pattern of physically, sexually, and/or emotionally abusive behaviors used by one individual to assert power or maintain control over another in the context of an intimate or family relationship. If you believe a friend is in serious danger, talk with an adult you trust immediately about your friend’s situation so that you aren’t carrying the burden by yourself. Do not try to “rescue” your friend or try to handle the situation on your own. Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is sexual abuse of an individual by the use of force, threat, or intimidation. Rape, sodomy, sexual battery, and attempts to commit these crimes are some of the several types of sexual assault offenses. Sometimes sexual assault is a form of domestic violence. If a friend has been sexually assaulted, it is important for the friend to get help. Victims of Sexual Assault

A key resource for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is the Family Violence and Sexual Assault 24-hour Hotline: Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance website: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services website: Assistance for Victims Resources

Review and Recap Specific provisions of the law Some examples of rights of victims and witnesses Types of assistance available to victims and witnesses of crime What domestic and sexual violence are Assistance available to victims of domestic and sexual violence You have learned: