Newton County to remember crime victims

April 22-28 is National Crime Victims' Rights Week - a time for all Americans to learn about victimization, reflect on the cost of crime to our society, and promote laws, policies, and programs to help victims of crime rebuild their lives. The week's theme, "Victims' Rights: Every Victim. Every Time." envisions a strengthened national commitment to the nearly 24 million Americans harmed by crime each year.

During the past three decades, the United States has made dramatic progress in securing rights, protections and services for victims of crime. Every state has enacted victims' rights laws; law enforcement agencies give victims greater protection; and more than 10,000 victim assistance programs have been established throughout the country. Every state has a crime victim compensation fund, and powerful federal laws, such as the Violence Against Women Act and the Crime Victims' Rights Act, to help protect victims and fund needed services.

Yet many crime victims have not experienced the promise of such progress. Only a fraction of victims report the crimes against them and participate in the criminal justice system.

Victims' rights vary from state to state. Not all protections are enforced. Services are sometimes not available, or they may not meet the physical, financial, and psychological needs of victims or their families.

Particularly vulnerable population - the elderly, persons with disabilities, ethnic and racial minorities, or residents of rural areas - may not receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

"We are all diminished when victims go without the protections and help they need," said John W. Gillis, director of the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. "Anytime a crime is not reported, a witness is intimidated, or an order of restitution is not enforced, we are all less secure.

Achieving justice means repairing the harm suffered by all victims of crime."

The U.S. Department of Justice will launch National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Washington, DC, with its fifth annual National Candlelight Observance Ceremony on April 19, and its Awards Ceremony, April 20, to honor extraordinary individuals and programs that provide services to victims of crime.

Newton County will commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week with special events and programs, from April 9-27.

Among these activities are asking the city mayor along with city council members to sign a proclamation for the city of Newton to proclaim the week of April 22-28, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week, asking Judge Truman Dougharty and the members of commissioners court to sign a proclamation for the county of Newton to proclaim the week of April 22-28 as National Crime Victims' Rights Week, holding the 3rd Annual Candlelight Vigil at the city park on April 19 and hosting a booth at the Newton County Fair grounds with information packets for Victim Services and a variety of information pertaining to what each agency in Newton County and the surrounding areas can do for crime victims.

Community members are encouraged to join in the month's activities and get involved in helping victims of crime. For additional information about National Crime Victims' Rights Week and ideas on how to serve victims in your community, contact Newton County Criminal District Attorney's office at 379-8600.