News: Press Releases

DOC Victim Services Unit Expands Services to Spanish and Hearing Impaired Citizens

RICHMOND – Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Ron Angelone announced today that the DOC Victim Services Unit now provides public information materials for victims of crime printed in Spanish. In addition, the Victim Services Unit now has TTY technology capabilities, which allows the DOC to provide services to deaf and hard of hearing crime victims.

“The Virginia Department of Corrections realizes that victims of violent crime often feel traumatized and alienated,” said Director Ron Angelone. “We strive to inform and educate all victims of crime about their rights through the most modern means available. This is another logical step in the process.”

The Victim Services Unit of the DOC provides information and notification regarding inmate status, including dates of release, transfers, and escapes to victims of crime whose offenders are incarcerated within the DOC. Victims Services Unit staff are available to assist crime victims during business hours Monday through Friday. The toll-free number is 1-800-560-4292.

The TTY equipment is funded through a federal grant administered through the Department of Criminal Justice Services.