LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – A program that allows domestic violence and sexual assault petitioners to remotely seek court protection is expanding to Greenbrier County.
The media and public are invited to attend an event beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at the Greenbrier County Family Court which will detail the Remote Victim Outreach Program.
“This program allows victims of domestic violence, stalking, rape or dating violence to seek the protections of the court in a safe, less intimidating setting by using remote technology,” said state Supreme Court Chief Justice Tim Armstead.
Previously, individuals had to go in person to magistrate court to file petitions for domestic violence protective orders or personal safety orders. They would also have to appear in magistrate and family court to attend follow-up hearings in person.
The Remove Victim Outreach Program will now give them the option of filing petitions and participating in court hearings remotely from the Family Refuge Center in Lewisburg, which will be available to host remote hearings on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Family Refuge Center can be contacted during office hours at 304-645-6324 or after hours at 304-645-6334.
Family Refuge Center employees will appear remotely at Friday’s event to demonstrate how the program will work.
Greenbrier County is the twelfth West Virginia county to participate in the remote program. Other active counties include Cabell, Harrison, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Marion, Monongalia, Ohio, Wayne and Wood.
The Remote Victim Outreach Program is made possible by federal grant funding provided through the state Division of Justice and Community Services and the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services.
“This remote technology helps to make our justice system more accessible to our citizens, and we look forward to continuing its expansion across our state,” Chief Justice Armstead said.
Full details of the event are:
WHAT: Greenbrier County launch of the Remote Victim Outreach Program
WHEN: 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13
WHERE: Greenbrier County Family Courtroom
650 Court Street, Suite D
Lewisburg, W.Va. 24901
