Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is April 6-12. It is an annual observance in the United States that promotes victims’ rights and services. The first Crime Victims Week, (later renamed National Crime Victims’ Rights Week), was established by Ronald Reagan in 1981 as part of an expanding initiative to provide services for victims of crime.

Prior to 1981, crime victims had no rights, access to crime victim compensation, or services to help rebuild their lives. They were often excluded from courtrooms, treated as an afterthought by the criminal justice system, and denied an opportunity to speak at sentencing.

Through decades of advocacy and hard work, all states have enacted crime victims’ rights laws.

Every state guarantees victims’ rights under the law. It is important to know the specific rights victims are entitled to in their jurisdiction as the rights and definitions can vary. A general overview of some victims’ rights include:

• Protection: A victim has the right to protection, often termed a right “to be reasonably protected from the accused, including intimidation, harassment, or abuse.”

• Notice: A victim has the right to notification. The goal of this right is to ensure that victims are kept apprised of all proceedings in the criminal case.

• Attendance: Every state guarantees victims a right to attend court proceedings.

• Hearing: Every jurisdiction provides victims with the right to give input into the sentencing decision. This can be provided orally at the sentencing hearing or in writing, either in a victim impact statement or a part of the pre-sentence investigation report.

• Restitution: Every state gives victims a right to restitution, which is an order by the court directing the offender to make payment to the victim for losses incurred due to the crime.

• Consult: In most jurisdictions, victims have a right to consult with the prosecutor. This entitles victims to discuss case matters and provide input to the prosecutor regarding their views.

Being a victim is not a choice. Crime victim rights were enacted so victims’ voices are heard, they are treated with respect and dignity, and are ensured protection and safety while navigating the criminal justice system.

If you or someone you know would like additional information regarding victim rights, please contact Hands of Hope Resource Center at 320-732-2319.

Barb Dinkel Goodrich

Lead Advocate/Supervisor

Hands of Hope Resource

Center Todd County