Commonwealth’s Attorney briefs Madison County on victim‑notification tools and caseload trends

Madison County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney and the victim‑witness program director described victim notification resources and recent caseload data to the board.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney introduced Dawn Dela Cruz, the county’s victim‑witness program director, and framed April awareness observances including Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The office highlighted the theme of kinship for National Crime Victims Rights Week and described how community connections help victims access services.

The victim‑witness program data presented to the board showed the program served 285 victims in fiscal year 2024, 71 of whom were new to the program; those totals included four sexual‑assault victims and 36 child‑abuse victims. Through three quarters of fiscal year 2025 the program had served 228 victims, 53 new to the program, including six sexual‑assault victims and 20 child‑abuse victims.

Program staff reviewed two automated notification systems for victims. VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) provides local jail inmate notifications and allows people to register for automated phone, text or email notices. NAVi (Na'Vi), the Virginia Department of Corrections portal, provides notifications for offenders serving 12 months or more under state supervision and sends messages when an offender’s custody status changes, including transfers, release or death. Staff stressed that registration is important for older cases and for post‑conviction or parole notifications.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney said Madison County’s victim‑witness program operates with spatial independence from other offices to let victims seek help confidentially and build relationships with staff before deciding whether to pursue prosecution. The office provided brochures and encouraged residents to contact the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office for assistance and registration.