Remote Access Program Enhances Safety for Domestic Violence Survivors

At Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, we are committed to breaking down barriers for survivors seeking justice. That’s why we are proud to be part of a groundbreaking initiative that allows victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to appear virtually before a magistrate or family court judge—without having to enter a courthouse where they may feel unsafe.

The West Virginia court system has launched a pilot program that provides remote access to court hearings, enabling survivors to file for protective orders and participate in legal proceedings from a secure and supportive environment. This technology, installed at Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, ensures that survivors no longer have to face their accuser in person to seek protection.

State Supreme Court Justice Evan Jenkins highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that many victims fear for their lives simply walking into a courthouse. The intimidation of a courtroom setting can prevent survivors from seeking the legal protections available to them. With this new technology, including high-quality cameras and monitors, victims can share vital evidence—such as threatening messages or photos of their abuser—with the court in real-time, ensuring that their case is heard with clarity and fairness.

The need for this program is significant. Since the start of the year, nearly 500 protective order filings have been made in Cabell County alone. With this new system in place, survivors now have a safer, more accessible way to pursue justice.

Cabell County Magistrate Daniel Goheen emphasized how this program will improve efficiency in the court system while also addressing the real fears victims face.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has court advocates serving all five of our service counties—Mason, Lincoln, Putnam, Wayne, and Cabell—to assist survivors through the legal process. Currently, the remote access program is available in Mason, Wayne, and Cabell counties, expanding access to justice and ensuring survivors have a secure option to seek legal protection.

This initiative is not just a local advancement—it’s a model for the future. The West Virginia court system plans to expand remote access statewide, ensuring that more survivors have access to justice without compromising their safety.

At Branches, we believe that every survivor deserves the right to seek protection without fear. This program is a crucial step toward making that a reality. If you or someone you know needs assistance, we are here to help. Together, we can continue to create safer pathways to justice for survivors in our community.

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Contact a Branches Court Advocate.