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Crime Victims' Rights walk set for Thursday
April 10 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 bury a loved one or pay medical bills. 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. Yet many victims do not find the help they need.
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 who want them and helping new victims -- such as the millions harmed by financial fraud -- to restore their credit and financial security. Reshaping the future requires meeting present and emerging challenges.
It also requires understanding how crime has marred the past. As we approach the tenth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, we honor the memory of the victims and their families' struggles to rebuild a future despite their grief. We also remember the thousands of homicide victims in our nation in recent years, and the millions who live each day in fear of violence.
Local spokesperson, Martha Sander, executive director of the Council on Families in Crisis, notes that victims and their families are continually served in Vernon County through victim assistance programs that identify and address the immediate-, short-, and long-term needs of crime victims and survivors. In addition, victim assistance programs help Americans to reflect on the cost of crime to our society, and promote laws, policies, and programs to help victims of crime.
"Anyone who is victimized by crime can receive information about their rights, and the many services available to assist them," Sander said. "If you or someone you know is a victim of crime, we can help. Or if you'd like to volunteer for victims, many opportunities are available."
In recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, the Vernon County Domestic Violence Task Force will be holding a walk and ceremony on Thursday, April 14. The walk will begin at 5:45 p.m. and proceed to the north side of Vernon County Courthouse for the ceremony.
The walk will begin at Dr. Lovinger's Office building at 625 S. Ash and be led by the Vernon County Commissioners, Nevada Police Depart-ment, Vernon County Sheriff's Office, Vernon County Ambulance District, Nevada City Council, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The ceremony will be held in the courtroom inside the courthouse and will feature Mayor Pro Tem Seth Barrett, as the keynote speaker. Colors will be presented and music will be provided by Wes Morton. Southern Commissioner Kennon Shaw will read the proclamation and there will be a short memorial service for victims of crime.
The ceremony also will feature a victim speak out and a candlelight ceremony in the courtroom.
The event is open to the public and members of the community are encouraged to join crime victims and those who serve them in recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
For more information about the event, crime victim assistance, or volunteer opportunities, contact Martha Sander at (417) 667-7171.