2026 Victims Services Award Nominations

The City of Bristol Virginia Victim/Witness Assistance Program will be honoring two criminal justice professionals. One individual who has shown exceptional dedication in domestic violence cases and another individual who has shown exemplary dedication in child abuse cases, going above and beyond for victims. Eligible honorees include law enforcement, prosecutors, court staff, probation officers, magistrates, or others demonstrating exemplary service. Nominations will be accepted between Friday, February 27 and Friday, March 13, 2026. Please make your nominations below:

2026 Domestic Violence Victim Services Award – Fill out form

2026 Child Abuse Victim Services Award – Fill out form

History

The Bristol Virginia Victim/Witness Assistance Program was designed to recognize and address the needs of victims and witnesses of crime in the City of Bristol, Virginia. The local Program was awarded its first grant through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) in fiscal year 1986-1987 and originally acted as an agent of the Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Department. After fiscal year 1995-1996, the Victim/Witness Program became an agent of the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney. The Program continues its efforts today under a DCJS grant, with one full time Director and one full time Assistant Director. Program staff are responsible for providing services effectively in all three courts: Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, General District Court, and Circuit Court. 

Today, the Victim/Witness Assistance Program for the City of Bristol Virginia continues to be an agent of the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney and is located within the George M. Warren Justice Center. The purpose of the Program is to provide assistance and information to victims and witnesses of crime. Program staff do their best to see that all victims’ questions are answered, their concerns represented, and that direct services are provided in accordance with the Virginia Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act. As stated by DCJS and the Rights Act, the Victim/Witness Program shall provide service to victims and witnesses of felony offenses, and certain misdemeanor offenses, including assault and battery, sexual battery, stalking, and driving under the influence (accident with injuries).

Mission Statement

The primary goal of the Bristol Virginia Victim Assistance Program is to reduce the trauma of victimization by providing direct services to victims of crime. Direct services include those efforts that:

1. Respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims.
2. Assist victims of crime in stabilizing their lives after victimization.
3. Assist victims in understanding and participating in the criminal justice system.
4. Provide victims with information and referrals for services.

Program Services

Explanation of Victim and Witness Rights Act

Victim/Witness Programs provide information about victim and witness rights. Not all rights and services are applicable in every case and victims also have responsibilities in order to receive information and assistance. Those rights and a victim's responsibilities related to receiving notices and offering input can be found here:  A Summary of Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act

Confidentiality

Crime victims, and certain witnesses, have a right to request that certain information remain confidential. The Victim/Witness Program shall preserve in confidence, all client information subject to several limited exceptions. To find out more about how to request confidentiality in a court case or to find out more information about our confidentiality policy, please contact us.

Explanation of Criminal Justice Process

The Victim/Witness Program staff will acquaint victims of crime with the criminal justice system, court procedures, and a summary of Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act.  Information about victims rights can be found here:  A Summary of Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act

Event Notification

A victim of crime has a right to notification. You can check the status of your case at https://www.vacourts.gov/ and the jail status of the defendant at https://vinelink.com/  

A victim or witness or crime can also contact us directly to sign up for advance notification,  additional case status details, or to learn about case dispositions.

Courtroom Assistance

You may request a courtroom tour, escort to the courtroom, and moral support during any court hearing. A separate waiting area will be provided. For more information about courtroom assistance, please contact us.

Protection

The Victim/Witness Program can assist with the completion of petitions to file for protective orders. More information about protective orders can be found at Protective Orders in Virginia--A Guide for Victims or Ordenes de Proteccion en Virginia--Guia para las Victimas. 

Restitution

In cases where a victim has suffered financial loss or has required medical treatment as the result of a crime, the Court may order the defendant to pay restitution. Documentation must be provided to support any restitution amount requested. Information about restitution can be found here: Restitution in Virginia: A Guide for Crime Victims 

Direct Service Client Survey

The Victim/Witness Program requests your help. If you have recently received services from us during the criminal justice process, please complete our brief survey. Your feedback is valued and very much appreciated. 

City of Bristol Virginia Victim/Witness Assistance Program Direct Client Survey – Fill out form

Additional Contacts and Resources

Bristol Virginia Police Department

Emergencies                          

911

Non-Emergency Line           

(276) 645-7400

Domestic Violence Unit           

(276) 645-3750

Abuse Alternatives, Inc.

https://www.abusealternativesinc.org/

Domestic Violence Hotline      

(800) 987-6499

Emergency Shelter                  

(423) 764-2287

Domestic Violence Programs  

(423) 652-9093

National Domestic Violence Hotline

https://www.thehotline.org/

(800) 799-7233

Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society

https://svlas.org/

(888) 201-2772

Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services

https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/

Virginia Victims Fund

https://virginiavictimsfund.org/

U.S. Department of Justice 

https://www.ojp.gov/topics/victims-crime

Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia

https://oag.state.va.us/

I-CAN! Virginia Online Forms Completion System for Protective Orders

I-CAN! Virginia

Identity Theft Resource Center

https://www.idtheftcenter.org/