NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK

April 10, 2011, marks the beginning of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to honor victims and the advocates of victims’ rights. This year’s theme—Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past—evokes victims’ past struggles and our nation’s duty to help them rebuild stronger lives.
For victims, reshaping the future means confronting many challenges. After a crime, victims need to know what rights and resources they can count on. They may need funds to pay medical bills or find an attorney. They may want information on the criminal justice process, their rights to be present or heard in court, and to be notified about court proceedings and offenders’ whereabouts.

For victim advocates, reshaping the future—particularly in these financially stressed times—means finding ways to do more with less. It means locating resources for victims and making sure victims have a voice. Reshaping the future requires meeting present and emerging challenges.

We encourage community members to honor victims of crime and look for several displays in the community this week as advocates are out meeting the needs of victims. For additional information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and how to help victims in your community, please contact Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services at our 24 hour crisis hotline, 419-422-4766 or the Hancock County Prosecutor Office at 419-424-7287.