Brown County Advocates “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim”

Release:

Georgetown, OH---April 22-28 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to honor crime victims and our Nation’s progress in advancing their rights. The Brown County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with YWCA of Greater Cincinnati are holding a Balloon Release in honor of all crime victim’s on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. on the front steps of the Common Pleas Court House in Georgetown.

More than 30 years ago, the victims’ rights movement launched a community movement to help crime victims. Then and now, crime victims endured physical and emotional wounds, costly financial burdens, an often hostile criminal justice system, and an alarming public tendency to blame them for the crimes against them. The vision was to create and promote fair, compassionate, and respectful responses to victims of crime.

We urge everyone to come out in support of crime victims and take the time to learn more about the services offered in Brown County. For example, the Brown County Prosecutor’s office has a victim advocate on staff. “The primary responsibilities for our victim advocate is to keep victim’s informed about their cases and court dates, help prepare them for trial, and accompany victim’s to court appearances. Our victim advocate, Jessica Roush does a wonderful job explaining the court process and making the judicial process easier for victims”, said Prosecutor Jessica Little. “Our office also sets up referrals for counseling and other resources to help aid victims during a very trying time”, said Jessica Roush.

Also serving Brown County is the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati. Their office is located in Georgetown and they provide numerous services to victims. The YWCA offers case management services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and their staff provides court advocacy if needed. The YWCA runs a shelter in located in Clermont County and they provide individual and group counseling to victims.

“This is an important event to show community support for victims of all crimes and chance for the citizens to learn more about the services provided in Brown County”, said Prosecutor Jessica Little. “We hope to reach out and let the crime victims know that we care about them and that we can help them”, said Little.

The balloon release represents victims of all crimes and there will be a moment of silence in remembrance of those we have lost. We urge the community come and stand together in a show of support!