Victim's Assistance

Roanoke Police Department’s Victims’ Services Unit

 

Victim Assistance Programs protect the rights of victims and provide services to the survivors of violent crime.  If you are a crime victim, there are laws and assistance programs established which strive to serve you with dignity and compassion.  The Victims' Assistance Unit can help you find ways to meet your needs and better understand your rights as a victim of crime. Decisions to follow up on referrals are up to the victim/witness.

The Roanoke Police Department takes victims' privacy and confidentiality seriously.

There are a limited number of exceptions to breaching the confidentiality of victims. These exceptions are as follows:

  • Duty to report abuse and neglect of children, elderly and the disabled.
  • Duty to warn of an imminent threat of harm to self or others.
  • Following a court order.
  • When given express permission by the victim to release information.
  • With law enforcement personnel, as required by law, on an existing investigation.
  • Information that must be included within a victims’ case, which are required by law, to submit to the District Attorney’s office when filing a case.
  • Certain information that is releasable to the public in accordance with the Public Information Act.
What Can Victims' Services Do?What Can Victims' Services NOT Do?
Provide you with information about Crime Victim's Rights. Give legal advice.
Assist you with the Criminal Justice Process.  Give you advice on Child Custody, Visitation, Support or Divorce. 
Safety Planning. Extend an Emergency Protection Order or do a Two Year Protective Order for you. 
Help you apply for Crime Victim's Compensation. Be your spokesperson with other agencies. 
Help you obtain an Emergency Order of Protection if the suspect is under arrest. 
Help you find placement in a shelter. 
Counseling and community referrals. 
Court accompaniment. 
Address confidentiality. 
Help you with the U Visa program. 
Has the right to contact any appropriate person or entity to prevent harm to you or any third party. 


Victim Assistance Programs protect the rights of victims and provide services to the survivors of violent crime.  If you are a crime victim, there are laws and assistance programs established which strive to serve you with dignity and compassion.  The Victims' Assistance Unit can help you find ways to meet your needs and better understand your rights as a victim of crime.