Orleans County Crime Victims’ Service providers will mark National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to honor crime victims and nation’s progress in advancing their rights, April 21 through the 27. This year’s theme – “New Challenges, New Solutions” – captures the 21st century mission of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, according to a press release from Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess.
The vision that launched the crime victims’ rights movement emerged more than 30 years ago. Prior to that time, crime victims had no rights, no access to victim compensation, and no services to help rebuild their lives. Victims were often excluded from courtrooms, disrespected by law enforcement and prosecutors alike, and generally treated as an “afterthought” by the criminal justice system. Victims were also denied an opportunity to speak at the sentencing of their offender.
Eventually victims began organizing to confront these challenges and to promote fair, compassionate, and respectful responses to their issues. One protection now afforded to victims of crime is their right to be notified when the offender who harmed them is released from jail or prison. The New York Sheriffs’ Victim Hotline or VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday) is a free, confidential service available to help support and uphold these rights. The NYS Sheriffs’ Victim Hotline gives victims and other concerned citizens 24-7 access to the custody status of incarcerated offenders and provides automated telephone or e-mail notification.
Since VINE was established in 1994, over 102 million telephone and e-mail notifications have been made to registered victims across the state. To register or receive additional information visit www.vinelink.com or call 1-888-VINE-4-NY.
According to Sheriff Scott Hess, the NYS Sheriffs’ Victim Hotline helps victims of crime by providing a critical service that enhances their personal safety. “Timely information about the custody status of their offender(s) is critical to many victims’ need for involvement and for their personal safety.”
Terrissa Drennan is the Crime Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinator for the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office. She notes that victims of crime in Orleans County, as well as survivors, are continually served through assistance programs that identify and address their immediate, short-term, and long-term needs. “Anyone who is victimized by crime can receive information about their rights, and the many services available to assist them.” If you or someone you know is a victim of crime, call 590-4134.
In Orleans County, the public is invited to honor victims of crime and those who serve them at a Candlelight Vigil, to be held on the steps of the County Courthouse on Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to pay tribute to victims of crime through a show of support at this event. Also included in he ceremony will be the presentation of the 14th annual Milford Phinney Victim Advocate Award. A reception will be held at the conclusion of the event.
The B.R.A.V.E. Committee (Bringing Real Awareness to Victimization Everywhere) thanks the Holley Rotary Club for their continuing support and for providing assistance with funding for this year’s event and related projects, according to a press release from Orleans County Sheriff Scott D. Hess.
