Technology Can Enhance Access | News, Sports, Jobs

Our world changed dramatically as lockdowns in response to the pandemic forced us to figure out new ways of doing our jobs, learning and communicating. As is often the case, some of those adjustments to a bad situation may end up having long-term positive effects.

Certainly the realm of remote interaction through video calls and virtual meetings has opened up a host of possibilities.

West Virginia’s Supreme Court sees one potential change in a new remote technology project that will improve both safety and access for those involved in sexual assault and domestic violence cases. The new judicial access project is part of a pilot system to be used first in Cabell County, but which should eventually expand across the state. According to the Associated Press, domestic violence and sexual assault advocates had raised concerns about the safety of victims, and access to the court system, which can be addressed in part by developing this remote option.

Imagine being able to feel safer and more confident in testifying –maybe even being better able to provide testimony that would help put away a violent offender for a long time. Beginning with a test run in Cabell County Family Court in Huntington, that possibility may soon exist.

Kudos to those who saw the potential for remote technology to do more than just make it easier for us to join in on staff meetings and classroom sessions. The improvement will make a big difference for the most vulnerable of victims.