***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2014

OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY OBSERVES NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK

Media Contact: Curtis T. Hill, Jr. (574) 296-1888

The theme of this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is “30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice” – is an opportunity to recognize victim advocates in the community and their long-term commitment to aiding crime victims. As we observe three decades of defending victims’ rights we are reminded of how far we have come and how much work is yet to be done.

Only 30 years ago, crime victims had virtually no rights and no assistance. The criminal justice system often seemed indifferent to their needs. Victims were commonly excluded from courtrooms and denied the chance to speak at sentencing. They had no access to victim compensation or services to help rebuild their lives. There were few avenues to deal with their emotional, financial and physical wounds. Victims were on their own to recover from the effects of crime.

Today in Elkhart County we have made dramatic progress in protecting and serving victims of crime. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for Elkhart County maintains a staff of dedicated victim assistance advocates who provide services such as crisis intervention, assistance with protective orders, court notifications, referrals to counseling/social service agencies, trial accompaniment, assistance in filing for victim compensation and general case information for victims regarding the status of their case.

Prosecuting Attorney Curtis T. Hill, Jr. states “Our commitment to serving victims of crime is stronger than ever. Any person who is a crime victim in Elkhart County can access our Victim Assistance Division for services and information. We are able to assist victims on many fronts and look forward to educating them on the criminal justice process.”

National Crime Victims’ Rights week will be held April 6 – 12 in communities throughout the nation. Elkhart County will observe the week with social media postings on Facebook and Twitter. You can also learn more about the services provided by our Victim Assistance division on our website at www.elkhartcountyprosecutor.com or by calling 574-523-2237.