Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

Each year, millions of people suffer the direct physical, financial, and emotional impact of crime victimization. Being a victim of a crime can be a very difficult and stressful experience. Victims may need to seek help and support from friends, family, their community or a victim assistance professional.

According to the Office for Victims of Crime, since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is an annual observance in April that brings communities together and raises awareness about victims’ rights, protections, and services. This is an opportunity to honor survivors and advocate for them. It’s also about recognizing organizations that have been fighting for victims’ rights for decades, establishing new partnerships to better serve and support victims of crime, and strengthening existing partnerships.

This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week: April 21-27 theme is “How Would You Help? Options, Services, and Hope for Crime Survivors” which asks all of us—friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, community leaders, victim service providers, criminal justice practitioners, and health professionals—how we can help crime victims.

Are you prepared if someone confides in you about a victimization? Is your organization victim-centered and trauma-informed? Are you familiar with the services available in your community? We call upon communities to commit to creating an environment where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, helped, and supported.

If you are a victim of a crime or would like additional information regarding victim rights, please contact Hands of Hope Resource Center at 320-732-2319.

Cassandra Ortiz

General Crime and

Child Abuse

Services Coordinator

Hands of Hope Resource Center —Todd County