The Victim Witness Notification Program is designed to assist victims and witnesses of sexual assault or violent crimes in receiving notification of release or transfer of their offender. The program is voluntary and confidential.
What is the Victim/Witness Notification Program?
If you have been the victim of, or witnessed a sexual assault or a violent crime, information about the location of the person who committed this crime may be reassuring to you.
For notification regarding individuals in the custody of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, you will need to contact those departments directly.
If this individual is residing in a state psychiatric facility or the Special Commitment Center for sexually violent predators, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has a program to notify victims and witnesses when that individual who committed the crime is released, transferred or escapes from any of these facilities.
Victim/Witness Notification is a voluntary and confidential program. The person who victimized you will not know you are being notified nor will they have access to your address, email, or telephone number.
View a list of Eligible Offenses for Victim/Witness Notification.
How do I qualify?
To qualify for the program, you must be a victim, next of kin of the victim/witness, or the parent/guardian of a minor victim of a violent or sex offense.
You also may qualify if you have served as a witness in a criminal court proceeding or if a prosecuting attorney says in writing that you are eligible for the program.
If you do not fall into one of these categories, then we are unable to enroll you in this program as it would be a HIPPA violation to release this information to you if you are not a victim, witness, next of kin of the victim/witness, or the parent/guardian of a minor victim of a violent or sex offense.
You may remain in the program for as long as the person who committed the offense is under the supervision of DSHS. We will send you notices before a planned release or transfer. We will also attempt to call you as soon as possible following an escape or unauthorized leave. We will notify you of scheduled court hearings regarding release decisions, when appropriate.
How do I enroll?
To enroll in the Victim/Witness Notification Program complete the online enrollment form. This form is also available from your County Prosecutor's Office or by contacting us in one of the following ways:
- Email: vwn@dshs.wa.gov
- Call toll free: 1-800-422-1536
- Send request to:
Department of Social and Health Services
Victim/Witness Notification Program
P.O. Box 45130
Olympia, Washington 98504-5130
How long will it be until I am enrolled?
You will be enrolled in the Victim/Witness Notification Program the same day we receive your enrollment form or the next business day.
What if DSHS denies my request for enrollment?
Please contact the Victim/Witness Notification Program toll free: 1-800-422-1536. You can send an Email to vwn@dshs.wa.gov.
If you are concerned about an adult offender in prison in the Department of Corrections, you may be eligible for a similar program at that agency. For more information, contact the Department of Corrections, Victim/Witness Notification Program at 1-800-322-2201.