Virginia Victim Assistance Network

For over 35 years, the Virginia Victim Assistance Network (VVAN) has advocated for the needs of crime victims and provided victim assistance training for professionals. VVAN is the only statewide nonprofit organization that provides services to any victim of any crime, and it is the sole membership and network organization for systems-based victim assistance programs that help crime victims throughout the Commonwealth. VVAN’s membership organizations assist over 75,000 victims of crime annually.

VVAN currently employs an Executive Director and five staff members in our Henrico County office. We are proud to offer several new programs and services for crime victims and those who serve them. Our goal is to fill critical gaps in services for victims of crime, with a particular focus on underserved populations impacted by mass violence and/or other traumatic crimes.

Mission

VVAN strives to be a voice for crime victims and those who serve them in Virginia by:

• Diagnosing, assessing, and advocating for the needs of victims and their families
• Promoting policies and legislation to protect the rights of the victims
• Offering professional development opportunities and encouraging collaboration to ensure the continued growth of our members
• Fostering accountability through the criminal justice system

Vision

VVAN envisions a society free of violence that empowers individuals and promotes respect for the dignity of all people.

Values

Inherent in VVAN’s core values and principles is a commitment to:

• A victim-centered philosophy and practices that are driven by the needs, strengths and voices of victims
• Promoting positive, respectful, and professional relationships, partnerships and collaborations
• Supporting trust, shared commitment and collective action, resulting in high quality outcomes for victims