New System At Petersburg Jail Alerts Victims Of Crimes

Being a victim of a crime can be hard to deal with, especially if it is a sexual or violent offense.

Often times during court procedures the victim feels like they have to deal with the traumatizing experience all over again.

Now there is a computer system called VineLink that is being used inside the Petersburg City Jail.

VINELink lets victims sign up and then alerted when the criminal is getting out of jail or moving to a new location.

The new system can give victims a sense of empowerment.

We can't reveal the identity of one victim that we spoke with because her daughter was sexually abused. But she said she is glad to have the ease of mind.

"My kids, um, need to be protected," the victim said, "as well as myself."

The Petersburg Sheriff agrees. Vanessa Crawford spent 30 years working in the prison system before being elected sheriff.

She said VINELink has several benefits.

"It's free," the Sheriff said, "it's anonymous and it's easy."

Not only that, but most victims are able to have an ease of mind.

Kim Vesely is head of the Petersburg Victim Witness Assistance Program.

She thinks VINELink is a therapeutic tool for victims.

"It allows the victims to prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically if need be." Vesely said, "If they need to make arrangements once that offender is released."

The victim we spoke with said what's most important, is ease of mind for her children.

"They're constantly thinking of that and as long as they feel safe and their parents feel safe," the victim said, "I believe it will be an enhancement."

VINELink is now up and running in Petersburg and in jails across the commonwealth.

It can be accessed by computer or telephone and anyone can use the program, you don't have to be a victim of a crime to sign up.