Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa and the Crisis Shelter hosted a Crime Victims’ Rights Luncheon and Tree Planting at the Lawrence County Courthouse on Thursday, April 21, as part of Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Sophie Baker, a 2006 victim of a horrific crime, spoke of her experience as a crime victim and how Crime Victims’ Compensation helped her and her husband revover from life threatening injuries and put their lives back together.
Each April, since 1981, the Office for Victims of Crime has observed National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. The theme for National Crime Victims’ Week this year was “Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past.” District Attorney Lamancusa stated, “It is the duty and obligation of all supporting agencies in the criminal justice system to support and defend victims of crime. It is this collective effort that will make a difference both in the lives of our victims and in perception of the public.”
According to Dayna Sear, Executive Director of the Crisis Shelter, to most effectively serve victims in the future, we must learn from past successes and understand the changing face of crime. Children living with domestic violence and youth threatened by violence need better protection, more responsive services and prevention programming. Underserved victims deserve understanding and support.
The Crisis Shelter is proud to partner wth District Attorney Lamancusa on Crime Victims’ Rights Week events. Sowing awareness and growing prevention, along with empowering and advocating for victims is the mission of the Crisis Shelter. Combining our mission with the mission of the District Attorney to punish offenders is making a difference in Lawrence County.
