Surry County VA Victim Services

10/05/2026

Good afternoon Surry County,

The month of October brings cooler breezes, falling leaves and pumpkin treats. We can enjoy outdoor festivals and coffee treats as we see the fall colors in full bloom. There is excitement as we break from the hot days and look forward to fire pits and cozy moments.

For some, the above is out of reach, not thought of or ever seen. Victims of Domestic Violence do not often get a reprieve from abuse, neglect, harm and violence. In 1989, Congress declared October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As you move through October, Recognize, Report and Prevent Domestic Violence, when and where you can. Victims are our community members: they are family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, teens, children and pets. Be their voice, when they can't.

This month highlights an important endeavor in recognizing domestic violence and providing education and resources that allow us as a community, to bring attention and awareness to victims in need of services. Love should not hurt. We can all End The Violence Now by using our voices to provide comfort, relief and support, to victims of abuse.

Community members may contact the Surry County Victim Witness Program at 757-216-9199 to receive information, referrals, educational materials and other resources that would enable victims to receive the assistance they may need to leave an abusive environment. You may also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at: 1-800-799-7233.

Compassion, Education, Recognition and Support all serve to provide a framework in which vital services can be provided to community members subjected to family and/or intimate partner violence. Recognizing and understanding what healthy relationships look like are vital components that turn victims into survivors.

Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.

Love Should Not Hurt.

As you go through this month, wear Purple to show compassion and support for those needing kindness, support and understanding. Provide the numbers listed above to a victim that may need services, referrals and resources. Reach out directly to the Surry County Victim Witness Program for more information on how you can be of assistance to someone in need of these vital services.

The Surry County Victim Witness Program remains dedicated to providing caring, compassionate and competent services to victims.

LOVE DOES NOT HURT

Surry County Victim Witness Program

08/14/2026

07/08/2026

The Surry County Department of Social Services would like to share information about Virginia SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefit program for eligible families. If you have school-age children, please take a moment to review the information below to see if your household may qualify.
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Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families pay for groceries during summer break, when most schools are closed. In 2026, each eligible schoolage child will receive a onetime $120 benefit. Benefits will be added to your household’s SNAP EBT card. Eligible families who do not have a SNAP EBT card will be mailed a separate Virginia SUN Bucks card that works like a debit card.

You can use SUN Bucks to buy groceries — including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat — at grocery stores, farmers markets and other businesses that accept SNAP EBT benefits. You can also double the value of your SUN Bucks by purchasing fruits and vegetables through Virginia Fresh Match (https://www.virginiafreshmatch.org/) (VFM). Find a VFM location near you at VirginiaFreshMatch.org/locate (https://www.virginiafreshmatch.org/locate).
Most eligible families are automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks and will not need to apply, including:
• Families who receive SNAP (https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/food-assistance/snap/) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/tanf/)

• Students who have applied and were approved for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) (https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp)

• Most children who receive certain types of income-based Medicaid, because their household's income is under the eligible income level (https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines).

If you need to apply, you can complete a new online application or print and mail a paper application to the Virginia Department of Social Services. Alternatively, the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center (866-513-1414) will accept applications June 15 through August 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How To Apply for SUN Bucks
Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families pay for groceries during summer break, when most schools are closed.

Most eligible families do not need to apply. However, households who do not automatically qualify can apply year-round by applying online or downloading, completing and mailing the printable application.
Once completed, the printable application should be mailed to:
Virginia SUN Bucks
c/o Virginia Department of Social Services
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Applications for SUN Bucks 2026 will be processed by VDSS beginning May 2026. Schools and local departments do not process these applications.

05/08/2026

Good afternoon Surry County!

The Surry County Victim Witness Program wishes a very beautiful, blessed and sunny, Happy Mother's Day to our community. It is our hope that our mothers will enjoy family time with their children and will be remembered for their many selfless acts. Mothers wear many different hats during the days, weeks, months and years as they parent their young children into adulthood. Remember their sacrifices and lift them up with kind words, affirmations and remembrances of cherished times.

Happy Mother's Day. May you all be happy and joyful!

Surry County Victim Witness Program

04/20/2026

Good afternoon Surry County Community!

The Surry County Victim Witness Program recognizes many initiatives during the year as we strive to bring awareness to our campaigns that honor, support and recognize victim's rights. Starting Sunday, April 19th, 2026, we Honor, Support and Recognize National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This year's theme is: LISTEN, ACT AND ADVOCATE.

This year's theme is a national call to action in supporting survivors of crime, strengthening communities, and ensuring justice.

As you go through your week, I ask that you use your voice to Listen to community members in need, Act in concert of their best interest when help is needed and Advocate for vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors, when and if they are facing times of crisis.

Join our program in recognizing National Crime Victims' Right Week by wearing various colors that serve to promote recognition of victim's rights.

Wear Red on Monday, April 20, 2026 to promote DUI Awareness.

Wear Purple on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 to support Domestic Violence and Stalking Awareness.

Wear Green on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 to raise Awareness of Assault and Gun Violence.

Wear Blue on Thursday, April 23, 2026 to increase Awareness of Child Abuse.

Wear Red and Black on Friday, April 24, 2026 to Honor Victims of Homicide and their family members.

As you go through your week, know and understand that a simple gesture, a kind word, and supportive measures, bring much relief to those facing difficult and frightening circumstances. Please know that as the Director of Victim Services for Surry County, Virginia, I remain compassionate in recognizing the needs of crime victims and serving my community by providing competent and caring services that can restore one's sense of self and safety.

If you or someone you know is in need of services, please call 757-216-9199.

Thank you and may you all have a safe and blessed week.

Casey Hearne, Director
Surry County Victim Witness Program

04/09/2026

Surry County Recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

The Surry County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed April 19–25, 2026, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, with additional recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

This year’s theme—“Listen. Act. Advocate.”—serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting victims, strengthening community connections, and ensuring every voice is heard.

Surry County remains committed to working alongside advocates, service providers, and community partners to promote awareness, provide support, and foster a safer, more compassionate community for all.

03/30/2026

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week | April 19–25, 2026
Join us in recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week as we raise awareness, support victims and survivors, and promote justice in our community.

Throughout the week, we encourage everyone to participate by wearing colors that represent different awareness efforts:

🔴 Monday, April 20 – Wear Red
Promote awareness for impaired driving and DUI prevention.

🟣 Tuesday, April 21 – Wear Purple
Show support for victims of domestic violence and stalking.

🟠 Wednesday, April 22 – Wear Orange
Raise awareness for assault and gun violence prevention.

🔵 Thursday, April 23 – Wear Blue
Increase awareness for child abuse prevention.

⚫🔴 Friday, April 24 – Wear Red & Black
Honor victims of homicide.

Together, we can stand with victims, raise awareness, and help build a safer, more supportive community.

03/30/2026

April is a Time for Awareness & Support
April is recognized nationally as both Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)—a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote prevention efforts in our communities.

Throughout the month, there are several opportunities to show your support:

🔹 April 7 – Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
Help raise awareness, educate others, and support survivors.

🔹 April 10 – Go Blue Day
Wear blue to show your commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect.

🔹 April 15 – Wear Teal Day
Stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault by wearing teal.

🔹 April 26 – Blue Sunday, Day of Prayer
A national day of prayer for children who have experienced abuse and for those who support them.

Together, we can help raise awareness, support those in need, and strengthen our community.