Money for victim witness support declines

By DAN KEGLEY/Staff

Smyth County’s Victim Witness Assistance program will be among the recipients of grants totaling $40 million in federal funds allocated by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
The local program, directed by Susan Williams, will receive $36,320 in federal dollars, along with $9,080 in state money, Gov. Timothy Kaine announced Wednesday.
“These grants will enable localities and state agencies to support new and continuing programs addressing a wide range of criminal justice needs and issues across the Commonwealth,” Kaine said.  “They demonstrate the strong commitment of Virginia’s localities and state agencies to assuring that our criminal justice system is effective and responsive.”
The Smyth grant, totaling $45,400, is 8 percent less than the $49,348 received through the same program a year ago. Williams said she asked the county supervisors to make up a portion of the difference in the county budget, pending final approval of the spending plan.
“I will be able to continue to do what I do,” Williams said. “It is an issue throughout the state, these 8 percent cuts. I’ll try to cut back in areas I can get by with.”
Williams is the only person in Smyth’s victim/witness program, a fact that makes it harder to reduce expenses to manage on a smaller budget; there are not that many line items to pare down. Larger offices may have more flexibility in lowering expenses.
“I’ve not talked with any of the larger programs with many people,” she said. “In my opinion they have more room to trim that 8 percent off of. It’s an awful time for everyone.”
The local program has operated for 11 years, established with state and federal money by Commonwealth’s Attorney Roy Evans.
The Virginia General Assembly passed the Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act, sometimes called the Victims’ Bill of Rights, in 1995 to ensure that victims and witnesses of crime are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity and that their privacy is protected where the law allows; are informed of their rights; have opportunities to make the courts aware of the full impact of the crime; receive authorized services; have the opportunity to be heard at critical stages of the criminal justice process, according to the program’s Web site.
Williams’ job is guiding people affected by crime through the justice system that can be overwhelming to those unfamiliar with it, especially in times of personal upheaval.
It can be a stressful job, she said, and some cases are emotionally demanding, but she does it for the rewards of helping others when they need it most.
“The ability to work with someone to try to make the process easier for them, to help them through a difficult portion of their life” is its own reward, according to Williams. “It’s a big reward to feel like you’ve helped someone. I can’t imagine not doing something that works with people.”