OAG launches VINE; victims can now register to receive automated updates in ongoing criminal cases on their phones and computers.

February 5, 2020, Tamuning, Guam- Victims will now have 24-hour access to information and updates in ongoing criminal cases. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has launched VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), a free, confidential, web-based system that notifies victims when the court orders a defendant to be released and of upcoming court hearings.

“We remain committed to supporting victims of crime,” said Attorney General Leevin Taitano Camacho. “Case updates have traditionally been provided live by phone, but we understand it’s not always easy to answer a sensitive phone call if you’re at work, in class or in a social setting. With VINE, victims now have more options.”

Victims can use VINE to receive automated phone calls, emails or text message notifications in many languages, including, English, Chuukese, Ilocano, Tagalog, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Russian. VINE also features a comprehensive listing of service providers that offer resources like counseling, healthcare, shelter, and legal advocacy.

Last year, the OAG’s Victim Service Center (VSC) provided services such as emotional support and accompaniment for victims in case-related interviews and hearings and providing case updates to over 1,320 victims. Victim advocates will continue to provide support to victims, including helping them setup and use VINE.

Attorney General Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson obtained funding for VINE through Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) grant award #2016-VA-GX-0055 and 2017-VA-GX-0055. VINE is operated by Appriss Safety, the leading victim notification network in the United States.

To learn more about VINE, visit https://oagguam.org/vine or call VSC at (671) 475-2587. To view the video