201

In recognition of the civic and moral duty of victims and witnesses of crime to fully and voluntarily cooperate with law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, and in further recognition of the continuing importance of this citizen cooperation to Territorial and Federal law enforcement efforts, and to the general effectiveness and well-being of the criminal justice system of the United States Virgin Islands, the Legislature declares its intent, in this chapter, to ensure that all victims and witnesses of crime are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity; that the rights extended in this chapter to victims and witnesses are honored and protected by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and judges in a manner no less vigorous than the protections afforded criminal defendants; and that the Territory has a responsibility to provide support to a network of services for victims of crime, including victims of domestic violence and criminal sexual assault.