1. Victim and Witness Rights
- WV Division of Justice and Community Services – Victims Services
Offers guidance on crime victim rights, legal advocacy, restitution, and access to victim assistance programs. - West Virginia Crime Victims Compensation Fund
Provides financial assistance for medical bills, counseling, relocation, and lost income due to victimization.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Legal Aid of West Virginia
Offers free civil legal services for low-income individuals experiencing harassment, domestic abuse, stalking, or cyber abuse. - West Virginia State Bar – Legal Services Programs
Provides referrals to low-cost and pro bono legal help across the state.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: W. Va. Code § 61-2-9a (Harassment and Stalking)
What it means: Willful and repeated behavior intended to cause fear of harm, including surveillance, threats, or unwanted communication—physical or digital. - Harassment: Covered under stalking and telecommunications harassment statutes (e.g., § 61-3C-14a)
What it means: Includes threats, abusive or repeated messages made via phone, email, or other electronic means with intent to intimidate or annoy. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Addressed under W. Va. Code § 18-2C-3 (Safe Schools Act)
What it means: Requires all public schools to implement anti-bullying policies including cyberbullying prevention and intervention protocols. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on West Virginia case law.
What it means: Victims may sue for libel or slander if false statements cause reputational or economic harm. West Virginia does not criminalize defamation.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 in emergencies or situations of immediate danger.
- Report non-emergency harassment or stalking to your local police department or county magistrate court.
- West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WVCADV)
Offers statewide support including shelter, legal aid, and trauma-informed care for survivors. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-352-4072
24/7 confidential support and resource connection for victims of abuse, harassment, or stalking.
5. Support Organizations
- West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence
A statewide alliance offering legal advocacy, emergency housing, and public awareness programs. - HOPE, Inc.
Provides crisis services, protective order assistance, and housing support in North Central West Virginia.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
West Virginia courts offer Domestic Violence Protective Orders and Personal Safety Orders to restrict contact, communication, or physical presence. Victims can seek immediate and long-term protection through local magistrate or family courts. Legal Aid of WV can help with filing and court appearances.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- West Virginia Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Offers guidelines for bullying prevention, reporting systems, and district-level intervention plans.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- West Virginia Judiciary – Self-Help Center
Access forms and filing instructions for civil protection orders and harassment complaints.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Provides digital security resources and strategies for managing cyberstalking, doxing, or impersonation.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
