Bristol Virginia Victim/Witness Assistance Program

05/15/2026

04/28/2026

04/23/2026

Our National Crime Victims' Rights Week newsletter features compelling information, helpful tools and resources, including....

- program news from Victims' Services Manager, Kristina Vadas
- helpful crime victims and witness rights resources
- the latest victims' advocacy trainings
- research on observed trends in violent crime
- Virginia Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act E-learning Module

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/National-Crime-Victims--Rights-Week.html?soid=1134909022327&aid=KrzdFYbnevY

04/21/2026

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, learn more about DCJS's programs and resources to support victims of sexual assault and other crimes. https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/victims-services

04/17/2026

Today the City of Bristol Virginia Victim/Witness Assistance Program honored two criminal justice professionals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and an unwavering commitment to supporting victims. Next week begins National Crime Victims Rights Week. We are proud to participate by presenting these awards. The theme this year is “Listen. Act. Advocate.” The two recipients truly embody that theme.

🏆The Victim Services Award for Domestic Violence was presented to Detective Seth Jones. He is the V-STOP detective for BRISTOL VIRGINIA POLICE DEPARTMENT. He works tirelessly to specifically investigate cases involving violence against women and domestic violence. His dedication and compassion provide hope not only to victims, but our community as a whole.

🏆The Victim Services Award for Child Abuse was presented to Kathryn Roark. She has served as the Director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Highlands Community Services for over twenty years. Her work within our community for child abuse victims through her servant leadership has produced lasting, impactful change.

04/06/2026

🚨 Join Us for the Upcoming TRIAD Meeting 🚨

The Virginia TRIAD program focused on reducing crime against older adults is bringing together local partners to strengthen safety and community collaboration across Bristol.

We’re proud to partner with:
👮 Bristol Virginia Police Department
🚔 Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Office
🚒 Bristol Virginia Fire Department
⚖️ Bristol Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
🏛️ City of Bristol, Virginia
⚖️ Virginia Office of the Attorney General

This meeting is a great opportunity to:
✔️ Share information on scams and fraud targeting seniors
✔️ Strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and the community
✔️ Learn prevention strategies to keep our elderly population safe

Together, we can make a difference in protecting our seniors and building a safer community.

04/01/2026

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 💙

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and protected. This month, we join together to raise awareness, support families, and help build brighter futures for children in our community.

Prevention starts with all of us. By working together, we can create safe, supportive environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

03/28/2026

FUGITIVE FRIDAY UPDATE

The Bristol, Virginia Police Department would like to thank our community for your assistance following our recent Fugitive Friday post.

On March 25, 2026, the Bristol VA Police Department’s Warrants Unit, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Kingsport Police Department, successfully located and apprehended Dale Goodson.

Goodson was wanted on multiple felony charges, including abduction, strangulation, malicious wounding, and assault and battery on a family or household member, stemming from an incident in December 2025. He is currently awaiting extradition from Tennessee.

We appreciate everyone who shared information and submitted tips. Your cooperation plays a vital role in helping us keep our community safe.

👮‍♂️ Thank you for your continued support.

03/20/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Arrest Made Following Rolling Domestic Violence Investigation

BRISTOL, VA – March 20, 2026 - In the early morning hours of March 19, 2026, the Bristol Virginia Police Department received a BOLO regarding a rolling domestic violence incident. Patrol Officer Shana Heisler subsequently conducted a traffic stop on an SUV traveling along Lee Highway in Bristol, Virginia. Upon speaking with the driver, officers quickly determined that the individual was a victim of an assault.

Following the initial investigation at the scene, Joseph T. Ayers, age 21, of Chilhowie, Virginia, was arrested and charged with Assault and Battery against a Household and Family Member. Ayers was transported to the Abingdon facility of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, where he was later released on a $5,000 Unsecured bond.

Later that day, Detective Seth Jones, the department’s Domestic Violence Detective, conducted follow-up interviews with the victim and additional witnesses. As a result of the continued investigation and the severity of the allegations, it was determined that additional assaults had occurred during the same incident. Based on this information, further charges were obtained against Ayers.

The additional charges include one count of Aggravated Malicious Wounding and one count of Malicious Wounding.

Acting on a tip, authorities located Ayers at a residence in Independence, Virginia. With the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Ayers was taken into custody without incident. He is currently being held without bond at the New River Valley Regional Jail.

This investigation remains ongoing.

03/16/2026

When a survivor “takes it back,” it’s often not a change of heart—it’s pressure. ⚠️

Many abusers don’t need a courtroom to control the story. They use gaslighting, sympathy plays, and “remember when” moments to blur reality, rebuild a false bond, and wear down independence—even while a no-contact order is in place.

One common pattern moves in stages: deny what happened, downplay the harm, create a fake sense of connection, push for a recantation, then rewrite the past to protect the abuser (sometimes by pulling friends or family into the manipulation).

If you’re supporting someone in this situation, believing them and helping them stay connected to an advocate can be life-changing. Blocking contact, reporting violations, and trauma-informed therapy can also help survivors hold onto their truth. 💜

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about why leaving—or testifying—is so hard? 🗣️

🔗 https://zpr.io/BYLQijdpqsBA