National Victims’ Rights Week April 6-12
Orleans County Crime Victims Service providers commemorate National Crime Victim’s Rights Week, April 6 through 12.
In 1984, Congress passed the bipartisan Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which created a national fund to ease victims’ suffering. Financed not by taxpayers but by fines and penalties paid by offenders, the Crime Victims Fund supports victim services, such as Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence programs and victim compensation programs that pay many of victims’ out-of-pocket expenses resulting from their victimization, such as counseling, funeral expenses, and lost wages.
Victims’ rights advocates have scored remarkable victories over the last 30 years. But there is still much to be done as they move forward and expand their reach to previously under-served populations including the elderly, Native Americans, adults who were victimized as children, and persons of non-traditional sexual orientation.
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 and Notification Everyday) is a free, confidential service available in the State of New York to help support and uphold these rights. The New York 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 notifications. 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. Visitwww.vinelink.com or call 1-888-VINE-4-NY.
According to Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess, the New York 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. Drennan 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 the victim of crime, We Can Help!” 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 at the County Courthouse on Friday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to pay tribute to victims of crime through a show of support at this inspirational event. Also included in the ceremony will be the presentation of the 15th 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) is helped by the Albion Elks Club and the Holley Rotary Club through their support and assistance with funding for events and related projects.
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