Victims of crime deserve attention, support

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 lifetimes – 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, 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. Too often, services offered don’t meet the physical, financial and psychological needs of victims or their families.

As we mark 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, prosecutors’ of-fices and victim-assistance programs in Perry, Dubois and Spen-cer counties are teaming up with Crisis Connection to create Emp-ty Shoes Displays in local court-houses.

The shoes represent all of the victims who have “walked through” the criminal-justice system and have been helped by these assistance programs.

The public is invited to view the display 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 23-27 at the Perry County Court-house.

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 me at the Perry County Prosecutor’s Office. Donation boxes are also located in the Perry County Prosecu-tor’s Office, 601 Main St., Suite C and at the Crisis Connection offices in Jasper and Tell City.

DIANA COCHENOUR,
Perry County Victim Advocate