County marks 30th anniversary of Victims of Crime Act


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  • | 4:00 a.m. April 3, 2014
  • Palm Coast Observer
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The following is an adapted news release from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office:

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will host a public ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, April 7 at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell in recognition of the Victims of Crime Act and National Crime Victims Week.

There will be a reading of a proclamation issued by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners to honor crime victims and increase public awareness about victims’ rights.

Congress passed the bipartisan Victims of Crime Act in 1984, creating 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 from the crime, such as counseling, funeral expenses, and lost wages.

Only 30 years ago, crime victims had virtually no rights and no assistance. Victims were often excluded from courtrooms and denied an opportunity to speak at sentencing. They had no access to victim compensation or services to help rebuild their lives and victims were on their own to recover their health, security, and dignity.

Today, the nation has made dramatic progress in securing rights, protections, and services for victims.

Victims Services Unit serves thousands, offering counseling, criminal justice support

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Victims Services Unit (VSU) provides emotional support to victims, witnesses and their families, and served more than 2,900 people in Flagler County between October 2012 and September 2013.

“Victims of crimes and victims of tragedies need comfort during times of emotional stress,” James L. Manfre said. “Our victim advocates work as a support system to victims, survivors and their families following traumatic events. Our professionals are dedicated to providing members of our community emotional support and guidance during times of distress.”

The VSU has provided services such as crisis counseling, personal advocacy, information and referrals along with criminal justice support and assistance with crime victims’ compensation.

National Crime Victims Week runs from Sunday, April 6 to Saturday, April 12.
 

 

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