Montgomery County, PA

 

 

                       

 

 

In April 2011, during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman announced the opening of her office’s newly-renovated “Witness Lounge”.  The Witness Lounge is a comfortable, secure space used for witnesses and victims of all ages who are called to the District Attorney’s Office for interviews or case preparation, or are subpoenaed to testify at trial.  The original witness room was created more than ten years ago with used furniture, toys, etc.  It had since fallen into a state of disrepair.  In 2010, the Victim/Witness Unit received state grant monies to pay for extensive renovations.  Those funds were used to create a soothing, confidential environment that calms and reassures victims in an otherwise highly stressful situation.  Safer and more comfortable furniture was purchased, as well as children’s games, age-appropriate books, magazines, a flat screen television, and a DVD player with movies. The room was also painted and reorganized to maximize space, all in an effort to minimize the effects of being a victim.