Victim Rights Awareness

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 22, 2001

CONTACT: Laurie Gillispie Victim Assistance Coordinator

District Attorney’s Office 254-965-1497

Stephenville, Texas – During the week of April 22 to 28, 2001, crime victims, service providers, criminal and juvenile justice and allied professionals, and community volunteers will join together across America to commemorate the 21^st anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme, "Victims’ Rights: Reach for the Stars," emphasizes the continued hope and aspirations for our nation to treat crime victims with dignity and compassion, and to provide them with services and support in the often devastating aftermath of criminal victimization.

The year 2001 also marks the 25^th anniversary of the victim impact statement, which offers our criminal and juvenile justice systems important insights into the emotional, physical, and financial effects of crime on it victims. First implemented in Fresno County, California in 1976, the victim impact statement has become a vital and valued component of justice processes, providing the "voice of the victim" to promote greater understanding of victims’ needs and victim trauma.

For nearly three decades, the victims’ rights discipline has strived to place crime victims’ concerns and issues on the forefront of America’s public policy agenda. Over 30,000 laws have been passed at the federal, state and local levels that promote victims’ rights and services, including constitutional amendments in 32 states. And 10,000 organizations exist today in our justice systems and communities that provide help and hope to victims of crime.

According to Laurie Gillispie, Victim Assistance Coordinator in the Erath County District Attorney’s office, the quantity and quality of victim services that exist today are a direct result of countless individuals who have dared to dream of a society where true justice is possible, and consistent compassion for victims is a reality in our homes, neighborhoods, communities, and nation.

A mere three decades ago, victims were ignored by the justice system and, for the most part, forgotten by society. Today, victims have a powerful voice not only in the criminal and juvenile justice system, but in our communities – voices that contribute to crime prevention, offender accountability, improved services and support for people hurt by crime, and safer communities as a whole.

Kathryn Thurman, Director of the Office for Victims of Crime within the U.S. Department of Justice, encourages people across America to join the Justice Department in saluting the significant achievements of America’s crime victims, service providers, and justice professionals.

"Because of the work of so many dedicated individuals who have dared to dream of a nation that respects crime victims, we now have laws on the books and services throughout the country to support victims’ rights and needs," Thurman said. "National Crime Victims’ Rights Week gives us the opportunity to thank crime victims and those who serve them, and to continue making the dream of comprehensive victims’ rights and services a reality in every community."

Members of our community are encouraged to join together during the 2001 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and honor those who bring honor to victims of crime. For additional information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, please contact Laurie Gillispie, Victim Assistance Coordinator in the Erath County District Attorney’s office at 254/965-1497.

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2001 Officer Sha King