National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Every Victim. Every Time.

Every 60 seconds, 10 Americans will be harmed by violent crime. That’s one victim every six seconds. And violent crime can strike anyone. Some victims recover quickly, but others suffer for years – or even a lifetime – from the physical, psychological, and financial impact of crime. All victims should receive the help they need. Over the past 30 years, 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.

Unfortunately, many crime victims have not experienced the promise of such progress. Only a fraction of victims report crimes against them and participate in the criminal justice system. All to often, the services that are offered are not enough to meet the physical, financial, and psychological needs of victims or their families.

As we celebrate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 22-28, we must vow to renew and strengthen our mission to reach underserved victims, keep victims safe, and enforce victims’ rights. One way to ensure our mission is to bring awareness of victims’ rights to our community. This year the Dubois, Perry, and Spencer County Prosecutor’s Offices Victim Assistance Programs are teaming up with Crisis Connection in order to create Empty Shoes Displays in the local courthouses. The empty shoes are meant to represent all of the victims who have “walked through” the criminal justice system and who have been helped by these Victim Assistance Programs. The public is invited to view the display the week of April 22-28 at the Perry County Courthouse, 2219 Payne Street, during normal hours of business 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

In order to prepare the displays, each county is asking for donations of your gently worn shoes. All types of shoes, from baby shoes to men’s work boots, will be accepted. After the displays are removed, the shoes will be donated to local clothing banks. Anyone wishing to donate shoes can contact Dianna Cochenour, the Victim Advocate at the Perry County Prosecutor’s Office. Donation boxes are also located in the Perry County Prosecutor’s Office, 601 Main Street, Suite C and at the Crisis Connection offices in Jasper and Tell City.