Ombudsman Services

The Virginia Victims Fund understands that crime victims often feel frustrated and overwhelmed by the criminal justice system, particularly if they believe their rights may have been violated.

VVF’s primary concern is that victims of crime in Virginia are treated with dignity, equality, and fairness. The Crime Victim Ombudsman promotes compliance with victim rights laws and works with the criminal justice system and community-based agencies to ensure that victims’ rights laws are upheld at every stage of the process. As a victim of crime, you are given the opportunity to voice your concerns if you feel your rights have been violated or if you have been mistreated.

The Crime Victim Ombudsman provides you direct access to assistance through our toll-free line. The Ombudsman will return your call to discuss your concerns. The matter will then be evaluated and a determination will be made regarding the need for further action. If a resolution cannot be reached, the Ombudsman will consult with the Director to determine the appropriate remedy for the rights violation.

What the Crime Victim Ombudsman can do for you
  • Provide information on the criminal justice processes
  • Explain victims’ rights laws as they relate to the criminal justice system and victim compensation
  • Provide referrals to criminal justice agencies and service organizations
  • Promote victim participation in the justice process
  • Conduct a review to determine if there has been a violation and/or mistreatment of a victim
  • Present potential compliance violations to the Director of the Virginia Victims Fund
  • Recommend fair and appropriate resolutions to complaints
  • Offer assistance to agencies in performing mandated victims’ rights duties by providing support and technical assistance
Scope and limitations
  • The Crime Victim Ombudsman is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice
  • The Crime Victim Ombudsman has no authority to interfere with a criminal investigation or to review decisions about how or whether to proceed with a case
  • Although victims may choose to take other actions, please note that neither the Crime Victim Ombudsman or Virginia Victims Fund has the authority to change the outcome of court proceedings and other criminal justice decisions