WEST UNION, W.Va. – A program that allows domestic violence and sexual assault petitioners to remotely seek court protection is expanding to Doddridge County.

The Remote Victim Outreach Program, a program supported by the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, provides petitioners in sexual assault and domestic violence cases the option of filing petitions and participating in court hearings remotely, allowing them to avoid direct contact with the other parties in court.

“The Remote Victim Outreach Program allows victims of domestic violence, stalking, rape or dating violence to use remote video technology to seek the protections of the court in a safe, less intimidating setting,” said Chief Justice C. Haley Bunn.

Previously, the only option available to individuals would be to go in person to magistrate court to file petitions for domestic violence protective orders or personal safety orders. They would also have to appear in magistrate and family court to attend follow-up hearings in person.

Through the Remote Victim Outreach Program, individuals in Doddridge County will have the option to file petitions and participate in court hearings remotely from a local HOPE, Inc. family crisis center. 

Individuals in Doddridge County will be able to use the HOPE, Inc. facility for petitions and remote hearings on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Doddridge County facility’s contact number is (304) 873-1416 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, with a 24/7 hotline available by calling (304) 367-1100.

More information about HOPE, Inc. is available on their website at: https://hopeincwv.org/ 

The media and public are invited to attend an event demonstrating the new technology on Monday, March 30, at 2 p.m. in the Magistrate Courtroom of the Doddridge County Courthouse, located at 108 Court St. in West Union.

Doddridge County is the 15^th county to participate in the remote program. Other active counties include Cabell, Greenbrier, Harrison, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Marion, McDowell, Mercer, Monongalia, Ohio, Wayne and Wood.

The Remote Victim Outreach Program is made possible by federal grant funding provided through the state Division of Administrative Services and the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services. 

“This program helps ensure our justice system is accessible to citizens facing the most difficult of circumstances and we look forward to facilitating its continued expansion to more counties across West Virginia,” Chief Justice Bunn said.

Full details of the Doddridge County event are: 

WHAT: Doddridge County launch of the Remote Victim Outreach Program

WHEN: 2 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2026

WHERE: Magistrate Courtroom            

Doddridge County Courthouse

108 Court St.

West Union, W.Va.  26456  

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