City, county declare Crime Victims Week

Nevada Daily Mail

Vernon County and the city of Nevada recognized the issue of crime and the rights of its victims Wednesday morning with the signing of a proclamation naming the week of April 19-25, as National Crime Victims' Rights awareness week.

Approximately 26 million crimes are committed each year, according to the proclamation, with some victims being targeted because they are of different race, age, religion or sexual orientation, among other reasons.

Presiding Commissioner Joe Hardin read the proclamation, which states "with the full weight of the community and victim services providers behind them, survivors will feel empowered to face their grief, loss, fear, anger and shame without fear of judgment."

The proclamation also affirmed services in the community such as the Vernon County Domestic Violence Task Force as well as criminal justice agencies who serve and try to bring justice to victims of crime. It also encouraged other members of the community to be involved as well.

"I think it's really important to bring awareness that crime victims have rights," Moss House Director Martha Sander said. "And I think it's significant that county government officials and members of the task force are willing to take a forward stance to say that we do believe that crime victims should be supported through the process."

The recognition of crime victims' rights will continue next week with the annual Crime Victims' Walk Monday at 6 pm. The walk will start at Dr. Warren Lovinger's office, 625 S. Ash, and will conclude with a ceremony and reading of the proclamation at the Vernon County Courthouse.