Pro Bono News

Week Calls Attention to Crime Victims

Monday, April 08, 2019

Week Calls Attention to Crime Victims

"The victims of crime are often overlooked, but the Barton County Commission Monday morning hoped to help correct that oversight. It approved a proclamation in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week as requested by the County Attorney’s Office.

The week of April 7–13 has been selected to recognize crime victims and those who serve them in the community and across the nation, said Victim Advocate Camila Komarek.

“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week brings us closer to the victims of all crime,” she said. With the theme “Honoring the past, Creating Hope for the Future,” she said they want to reach a goal of reaching out to all those touched by crime, and hold those responsible accountable.

She citing these statistics from the past year: The County Attorney’s Office prosecuted 584 new cases, 1,050 traffic cases, 96 juvenile offender cases and 145 child-in-need-of-care cases totalling 353 new victims. She made roughly 3,000 contacts with victims about their cases.

“It is truly a cooperative effort among agencies in Barton County to see that the victims of crimes receive the help they need,” Komarek said. Her office works closely with the Family Crisis Center and its Dell Hayden Memorial Child Advocacy Center.

In 1982, the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime envisioned a national commitment to a more equitable and supportive response to victims, Komarak said, quoting the proclamation. “This commemorative week celebrates the energy, perseverance and commitment that launched the victims’ rights movement, inspired its progress, and continues to advance the cause of justice for crime victims.”

Crime can leave a lasting impact on any person, regardless of age, national origin, race, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration, or economic status, she said. Incorporating communities’ existing experts and trusted sources of support into efforts to fully serve survivors will develop a criminal justice system response that is truly accessible and appropriate for all victims of crime..."

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