The non-investigative reporting philosophy begins by offering – and truly supporting – the option for victims to provide as much or as little information as they can, whenever they are able. For victims who have a medical forensic exam, they can be assured that critical evidence has been collected and documented in case they later decide to participate in the investigative process. One benefit of this approach is that victims are not asked whether they want to “press charges.” This question can be confusing and overwhelming for a variety of reasons. For one thing, most people have a very limited understanding about what prosecution involves, let alone the steps that are needed to get to that point. Second, this question is technically incorrect – prosecutors, not victims, make charging decisions. Finally, and most important, this question places an inappropriate and unfair burden on victims. This is particularly true during the early stages of an investigation: Victims should never be asked during the phase of an initial response whether they will “press charges.” The time for law enforcement to ask victims about their ability to participate in a criminal prosecution is at the end of a thorough, evidence-based investigation. Only at that point do investigators know whether they have sufficient evidence collected and documented to present the case to the prosecutor and evaluate what the risks might be for a victim. For more information, see EVAWI’s training module Opening Doors: Alternative Reporting Options for Sexual Assault Victims - https://lnkd.in/gBuQy3ku
Virginia Victim Assistance Network
Non-profit Organizations
Henrico, Virginia 201 followers
Any victim, any crime. You are not alone.
About us
The Virginia Victim Assistance Network (VVAN) strives to be a voice for crime victims and those who serve them in Virginia by: - Diagnosing, assessing, and advocating for the needs of victims and their families; - Promoting policies and legislation to protect the rights of the victims of human tragedy; - Producing professional development and encouraging collaboration to ensure the continued growth of our members; and - Fostering accountability through the criminal justice system. Inherent in VVAN’s core values and principles is a commitment to: - A victim-centered philosophy and practices that are driven by the needs, strengths and voices of victims; - Promoting positive, respectful, and professional relationships, partnerships and collaborations; and - Supporting trust, shared commitment and collective action, resulting in high quality outcomes for victims.
- Website
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http://www.vanetwork.org
External link for Virginia Victim Assistance Network
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Headquarters
- Henrico, Virginia
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Specialties
- Victim Services and Victim Advocacy
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
8600 Quioccasin Rd
Henrico, Virginia 23229, US
Employees at Virginia Victim Assistance Network
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Kaley Wresch, MSW
Project & Data Manager at Virginia Victim Assistance Network
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CIndy Yadav
Crisis Response Team Coordinator at Virginia Victim Assistance Network
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Scharnelle Hamlin
Homicide Support Group Coordinator at Virginia Victim Assistance Network| 18+ year Victim Advocate| Crisis Responder| Credentialed Advocate (CA) At…
Updates
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Virginia Victim Assistance Network reposted this
We are proud to highlight some of the important work we are doing with our community partners here at Full Circle. We have been so fortunate to partner with Virginia Victim Assistance Network (VVAN) to make a Homicide Support Group available in our community. Full Circle's Executive Director, Allyson England Drake, facilitates this weekly, virtual group sponsored by VVAN. Every week, the loved ones gather to support one another, discuss challenges of grieving a death by homicide, share memories and stories of their loved one, and support each other through the criminal justice system process. Thank you, VVAN, for making this incredibly valuable group available in our community! 💙 For more information about this homicide group, please contact Scharnelle at VVAN, scharnelle.hamlin@vanetwork.org or Allyson England Drake at allyson@fullcirclegc.org or visit them on LinkedIn: Virginia Victim Assistance Network.
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Today is the last day to register for the Advocate Essentials Academy! Formerly called the Basic Victim Assistance Academy, this immersive training provides fundamental education for victim service providers and allied professionals. The curriculum covers the core competencies of victim advocacy, including: 1. The Role of the Advocate 2. Cultural Sensitivity/Competency 3. Case Management/Coordination 4. Ethics/Confidentiality 5. Civil/Criminal Justice System 6. History of Victim Services 7. Crime Victims Compensation 8. Trauma of Victimization 9. Crisis Intervention 10. Victims’ Rights The Advocate Essentials Academy is designed primarily for victim assistance professionals working in system-based agencies (i.e., prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement or any other government entity) but we we encourage other professionals working with crime victims such as community-based advocates to join us. While all advocates are welcome to attend, the Academy content is foundational and will not include advanced topics. February 26 - March 1, 2024 | Newport News, VA Newport News Marriott City Center Members: $200/ Non-members: $240 Very limited capacity Register at vanetwork.org/calendar
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There's a growing crisis in the field of victim services in Virginia. Victims are going to be left behind if we don't take collective steps to PUT VICTIMS FIRST. Watch for more info: https://lnkd.in/eCPej3uz
Put Victims First: Ensuring Safety, Support, and Healing for Virginia's Victims of Crime
https://www.youtube.com/
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Just one week left to register for the Advocate Essentials Academy! Formerly called the Basic Victim Assistance Academy, this immersive training provides fundamental education for victim service providers and allied professionals. The curriculum covers the core competencies of victim advocacy, including: 1. The Role of the Advocate 2. Cultural Sensitivity/Competency 3. Case Management/Coordination 4. Ethics/Confidentiality 5. Civil/Criminal Justice System 6. History of Victim Services 7. Crime Victims Compensation 8. Trauma of Victimization 9. Crisis Intervention 10. Victims’ Rights The Advocate Essentials Academy is designed primarily for victim assistance professionals working in system-based agencies (i.e., prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement or any other government entity) but we we encourage other professionals working with crime victims such as community-based advocates to join us. While all advocates are welcome to attend, the Academy content is foundational and will not include advanced topics. February 26 - March 1, 2024 | Newport News, VA Newport News Marriott City Center Members: $200/ Non-members: $240 Very limited capacity Registration closes 2/19 OR WHEN FULL. Register at vanetwork.org/calendar
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We are working together with Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance and the Children's Advocacy Centers of Virginia to bring awareness to the February 1st Day of Action to #PUTVICTIMSFIRSTVA. We want VA’s policy leaders to ensure baseline funding for Virginia’s victims by investing $30M for victims’ services. BUT WE CAN’T DO THIS ALONE! Join us in Richmond on February 1 for a Day of Action. Let’s demand our representatives #PUTVICTIMSFIRSTVA. Register for FREE today: : https://bit.ly/47euJiA
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The Virginia Victim Assistance Network is pleased to announce our annual Advocate Essentials Academy. Formerly called the Basic Victim Assistance Academy, this immersive training provides fundamental education for victim service providers and allied professionals. The curriculum covers the core competencies of victim advocacy, including: 1. The Role of the Advocate 2. Cultural Sensitivity/Competency 3. Case Management/Coordination 4. Ethics/Confidentiality 5. Civil/Criminal Justice System 6. History of Victim Services 7. Crime Victims Compensation 8. Trauma of Victimization 9. Crisis Intervention 10. Victims’ Rights The Advocate Essentials Academy is designed primarily for victim assistance professionals working in system-based agencies (i.e., prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement or any other government entity) but we we encourage other professionals working with crime victims such as community-based advocates to join us. While all advocates are welcome to attend, the Academy content is foundational and will not include advanced topics. February 26 - March 1, 2024 | Newport News, VA Newport News Marriott City Center Members: $200/ Non-members: $240 Lodging: $107/nightly Limited scholarships available (Competitive!) Very limited capacity Registration opens NOW, closes 2/19 OR WHEN FULL. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eHsFk--9 Hotel reservations: https://lnkd.in/eegavAez Hotel block ends: 1/26
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