Written materials—such as brochures, forms, pamphlets, flyers, and applications—provide information regarding the following: protection, employer services, confidentiality of address and telephone numbers, and interpreter services.

Transfer the number for the Current Quarter box from section VI. “An Informational Guide to Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights’ Act”– Witnesses.

In addition to the required information, other pre-printed materials may include initial contact letters, referral lists, maps, directions to court, or local food and lodging establishments.

Pre-printed materials may be distributed in person or by mail as well as in literature displays where witnesses may congregate (e.g., outside of court rooms, magistrate offices, law enforcement waiting areas, etc).

As appropriate to a witness’ individual needs, provide explanations of each of the services listed below. These explanations can be made in person or by telephone.

1. Protection: provide information on levels of protection available to witnesses of crime when harm or threats of harm are present. This may include requests for “no contact” restrictions on bonds, requests for a police patrol ride-by, etc.
    
2. Employer Services: advise witnesses that it is unlawful for an employer to penalize an employee for appearing in court pursuant to a summons or subpoena.
    
3. Confidentiality Re: Address and Telephone Number: inform witnesses that they may request that their addresses and telephone numbers not be disclosed in court, except when required by a judge for the conduct of a criminal proceeding.
    
4. Interpreter Services: advise witnesses requiring the services of an interpreter that they have the right to such services.

Assist witnesses in obtaining available protection from the appropriate authorities when harm or threats of harm arises from the witnesses’ cooperation with law enforcement or prosecution efforts.

Witnesses should be referred to law enforcement if they are in need of a deputy escort after court, or if they want increased monitoring of their residence. Other protection services may include: advising witnesses where they may file a warrant for criminal offenses, escorting witnesses to waiting rooms, etc.

Intercede to ensure that employers of witnesses cooperate with the criminal justice process in order to minimize the employee’s loss of pay and other benefits due to court appearances. This may include written confirmations or phone contacts. For example, a staff person may provide witnesses with written confirmations of their appearance in court that they can present to their employers to show their compliance with subpoenas.

Act as a liaison between the witness and the criminal justice agencies involved to obtain the services of a qualified interpreter and to avoid any conflict of interest that may arise through the use of that interpreter.