PRINCETON and WELCH, W.Va. (WVDN) – A program that allows domestic violence and sexual assault petitioners to remotely seek court protection is expanding to Mercer and McDowell counties.
The Remote Victim Outreach Program, a program supported by the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, provides petitioners in sexual assault and domestic violence cases the option of filing petitions and participating in court hearings remotely, allowing them to avoid direct contact with the other parties in court.
“The Remote Victim Outreach Program is designed to use remote video technology so that victims of domestic violence, stalking, rape or dating violence can seek the protections of the court in a safe, less intimidating setting,” said Chief Justice William R. “Bill” Wooton.
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.
Through the Remote Victim Outreach Program, individuals in these counties will have the option to file petitions and participate in court hearings remotely from a local Stop Abusive Family Environments, Inc. (SAFE, Inc.) family crisis center.
Individuals in Mercer County will be able to use the SAFE, Inc. facility for petitions and remote hearings on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Mercer County facility’s contact number is (304) 487-8484 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and 24/7 at (800) 688-6157.
Individuals in McDowell County will be able to use the SAFE, Inc. facility for petitions and remote hearings on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The McDowell County facility’s contact number is (681) 201-2138 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 24/7 at (800) 688-6157.
More information about Safe, Inc. is available on their website at: https://www.safeincwv.org/
The media and public are invited to attend events in Mercer and McDowell counties on Thursday, Dec. 11, to witness a demonstration of how the program can be utilized.
The Mercer County event will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday in Twelfth Family Court Circuit Judge Adam B. Wolfe’s courtroom at 120 Scott Street in Princeton.
The McDowell County event will begin at 1 p.m. in Twelfth Family Court Circuit Judge Lisa K. Clark’s courtroom at the McDowell County Courthouse, on the corner of Court and Wyoming streets in Welch.
SAFE, Inc. representatives will appear remotely at Thursday’s events to demonstrate how the program will work.
Mercer and McDowell counties are the 13th and 14th counties to participate in the remote program. Other active counties include Cabell, Greenbrier, 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 program helps to ensure our justice system is accessible to our citizens when they need it most and we look forward to facilitating its continued expansion across our state,” Chief Justice Wooton said.
Full details of the Mercer County event are:
WHAT: Mercer County launch of the Remote Victim Outreach Program
WHEN: 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
WHERE: Judge Adam B. Wolfe’s Mercer County Family Courtroom
120 Scott Street
Princeton, W.Va. 24740
The details of the McDowell County event are:
WHAT: McDowell County launch of the Remote Victim Outreach Program
WHEN: 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
WHERE: Judge Lisa K. Clark’s courtroom, McDowell County Courthouse
Court & Wyoming Streets
Welch W.Va. 24801
