19.2-368.17 - Public information program. - Virginia Statutes

§ 19.2-368.17. Public information program.

The Commission shall establish and conduct a public information program toassure extensive and continuing publicity and public awareness of theprovisions of this chapter. The public information program shall includebrochures, posters and public service advertisements for television, radioand print media for dissemination to the public of information regarding theright to compensation for innocent victims of crime, including information onthe right to file a claim, the scope of coverage, and the procedures to beutilized incident thereto.

Whenever a crime which directly resulted in personal physical injury to, ordeath of, an individual is reported within the time required by §19.2-368.10, the law-enforcement agency to which the report is made shallmake reasonable efforts, where practicable, to notify the victim or otherpotential claimant in writing on forms prepared by the Commission of his orher possible right to file a claim under this chapter. In any event, noliability or cause of action shall arise from the failure to so notify avictim of crime or other potential claimant.

(1976, c. 605; 1986, cc. 457, 472.)