Victim Services

The Victim Services Unit of the Virginia Department of Corrections serves victims of crime. Our staff provides information and referrals concerning the post sentence phase of the criminal justice system and answers questions related to an inmate incarcerated in a Virginia prison.

VICTIM SERVICES UNIT

(Victims Only)

(Plug-ins are available on external websites)

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Services

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)

Toll-Free Victim Telephone Support (1-800-560-4292)

A Victim Services toll-free telephone line is provided to all crime victims. This line is staffed during regular business hours (8:15 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday.
To speak to a staff member of the Victim Services Unit call 1-800-560-4292.

Victim 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. VINE registration may be completed by telephone, (an external site) on-line, or by downloading the Victim Notification Form.

The completed Victim Notification Form must be returned to the Victim Services Unit either by mail or fax. Victims can register by telephone by calling 1-800-467-4943 and simply entering the telephone number, including area code, where you want to be reached. You will then be asked to enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for use during notification. The VINE service will automatically telephone you when one of the above events occur. If your are registered with VINE and your name, address, or telephone number changes, please call 1-800-467-4943 to ensure that you do not miss any important information.

Victims may also read our VINE brochure to obtain more information about this service. Do not depend solely on the VINE service for your protection. If you feel that you may be at risk, take precautions as if the inmate has already been released.

Read about the Victim Input Program

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. Victims desiring an appointment with a representative of the Parole Board should contact the Board’s secretary at 804-674-3081.

Victim Resource Websites

Additional victim resources are available on the following external websites:

Brochures

Victim Advocacy Brochure
Victim resource information available in brochure (.pdf file)

For further information, please contact the Victim Services Unit of the Virginia Department of Corrections
at 804-674-3243.