County to observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
–The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center will recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week during April 8 – 14, 2018.
Prior to 1977, victims of crime had few resources available to them after being traumatized by crime. This changed with the development of Victim Witness Assistance Centers across our nation. The San Luis Obispo County Victim Witness Assistance Program strives to reduce the trauma, frustration, and inconvenience experienced by victims, witnesses, and family members affected by crime. Each year, the County Board of Supervisors designates the Victim Witness Assistance Program as a major provider of comprehensive services to victims and witnesses in San Luis Obispo County.
The San Luis Obispo County Victim Witness Assistance Center offers a host of services to crime victims including:
- Orientation, advocacy and support for victims/witnesses throughout the criminal justice process.
- Information for victims regarding their constitutional and statutory rights under California law, and how to exercise those rights.
- Referrals to local resources for victims and family members.
- Collaboration with government agencies, nonprofits and community organizations to better serve victims and those effected by crime.
They encourage the public to join in efforts to raise awareness of Crime Victims’ Rights Week at the following local events:
April 3rd – Crime Victims’ Rights Week Proclamation
The Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center is honored to receive a proclamation recognizing Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The proclamation will be presented by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors at the Board of Supervisors meeting.
April 9th – April 13th – One Thousand Flags to Raise Awareness
The Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center has served crime victims in San Luis Obispo County for 41 years. In recognition of over four decades of service 1,000 flags will be planted in the Courthouse Plaza (Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo). These victims’ rights awareness flags represent the over 9,000 victims served by the Victim Witness Assistance Center in 2017.
April 12th – Crime Victims’ Rights Week Awards Ceremony
Please join the Crime Victims’ Rights Committee for a dessert social to honor the victims, survivors, and advocates in our community. The award ceremony keynote speaker is Dr. Denise Taylor, a survivor of crime.
Register online: standstrongnow.org/IPVC
Awardees:
- Courage Award: Christine Flock and Karen Stabile
- Champion Award: Lee Cunningham
- Compassion Award: Stella Medina
- Commitment Award: Heart to Heart Real Estate
Award Ceremony:
- Location: Monday Club – 1815 Monterey, San Luis Obispo
- Date: April 12, 2018
- Time: 3-5 p.m.
- Cost: $15
Register online: standstrongnow.org/IPVC
The Crime Victims’ Rights Committee includes; Community Action Partnership, Restorative Partners, RISE, SLO County Department of Social Services, SLO County District Attorney, Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center, SLO County Probation, and Stand Strong.
