Local agencies are collaborating to mark the beginning of
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 13-19. Anoka County
events, coinciding with national rallies, candlelight vigils, and
other activities held across the nation will honor victims, their
families, and those who serve them.
Bruce Andersohn, Anoka County Sheriff said, “This year’s theme is
‘Justice for Victims. Justice for All.’ That means we must
seek to end injustice for all victims of crime, no matter how small.
This week we honor those victimized and work to stand behind them.”
Justice for victims has progressed dramatically since the 1980s.
All states and the federal government have comprehensive victims’
rights laws, and 33 states have constitutional amendments to protect
victims’ rights. Every state has a victim compensation fund,
and thousands of victim service agencies help victims nationwide.
Despite such impressive progress, however, our nation has a long
way to go. “Injustice to victims weakens public safety,” said
John W. Gillis, director of the Office for Victims of Crime, Office
of Justice Programs, U.S.
Department of Justice. “If victims are too discouraged to
report crimes or serve as witnesses, our criminal justice system
grinds to a halt. Every American has a stake in victims’
rights.”
The U.S. Department of Justice launched National Crime Victims’
Rights Week in Washington, D.C., with its annual National
Candlelight Observance Ceremony to honor extraordinary individuals
and programs that serve victims of crime. Locally, area
agencies including Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services,
Anoka County Attorney’s Office Victim Services, Anoka County
Corrections, Alexandra House, Unity Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Program, Immigrant and Refugee Project, Anoka County Cultural
Coordinator, and Anoka County Community Health Violence Prevention
will collaborate to mark the event through traveling displays and
bookmarks distributed throughout the county. Local art was
submitted to help honor crime victims and will be featured in the
Anoka County Government Center lobby during the week. Please
visit the Anoka County Web site at
www.co.anoka.mn.us for more
information on all these events, or contact Sarah Jenkins, Community
Outreach Specialist, Anoka County Attorney’s Office, at
763-323-5723.
