The DSHS Victim/Witness Notification Program is designed to notify victims and witnesses of sexual assault or violent crime about the release, transfer, or the escape of their offender from a state psychiatric facility or the Special Commitment Center.
The program is voluntary and confidential. The person who victimized you will not know you are being notified nor will they have access to your address, email, or telephone number.
For notification regarding individuals in custody of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, you will need to contact those departments directly.
Who qualifies for the Victim/Witness Notification Program?
To qualify for the program, you must be a victim of one of the violent or sex crimes listed here, be next of kin (closest relative) to the victim, or be the parent/guardian of a minor victim.
People may also qualify for this program if they witnessed the crime and provided legal testimony in a criminal court. In addition, any person identified in writing by the prosecuting attorney is eligible for the program.
You can stay in the program as long as the person who committed the crime is under DSHS supervision. DSHS will notify you before a planned release or transfer. However, if this person escapes, DSHS will call you as soon as possible.
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, WA 98504-5130
How long will it be until I am enrolled?
If eligible, you will be enrolled in the Victim/Witness Notification Program within two business days of us receiving your enrollment form.
What if DSHS denies my request for enrollment?
Please refer to the response you received from the Victim/Witness Notification Program administrator for reasons why your request was denied. If you have additional questions, you can contact us at vwn@dshs.wa.gov or 1-800-422-1536. .