Independence County Judge Robert Griffin has proclaimed Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Independence County in conjunction with National Crime Victim’s Rights Week (NCVRW) April 19-25, 2020.
This year’s NCVRW theme — Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope –recognizes individuals and groups whose advocacy has propelled the victims’ rights movement forward for the past half-century, inspiring victims and their loved ones with a feeling of hope for progress, justice, and healing.
In his proclamation, Judge Griffin reaffirmed Independence County’s commitment to creating a victim service and criminal justice response that assists all victims of crime during Crime Victims’ Rights Week and throughout the year.
The judge also expressed his gratitude and appreciation for community members, victim service providers, and criminal justice professionals who are committed to responding to the needs of crime victims, so that victims may find relevant assistance, support, justice, and peace.
National Crime Victim Rights Week was created to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and heighten community awareness to the important resources and services available to victims.
According to the most recent National Crime Victimization Survey from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about 3.3 million Americans age 12 or older were victims of violent crime in 2018.
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice, leads communities throughout the country in the annual observances of NCVRW by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
OVC and Arkansas’ 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Victims’ Assistance Project, which covers Independence, Cleburne, Fulton, Izard, and Stone counties, encourage participation in victim-related observances throughout the year.
The 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Victims’ Assistance Project welcomes volunteers to assist in the program. For information on how to assist victims in the community, please contact Sue Lamons or Susan Porter at (870) 793-8825.
Image of Judge Griffin signing the proclamation via 16th Judicial District Office
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