Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04/07/04

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Chief Deputy Larry Scoufos Victim Assistance Center Director, Tracy Lamb 565-8250

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

APRIL 18TH - 24TH PROCLAIMED
CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK IN SONOMA COUNTY

Today, at the request of District Attorney Stephan R. Passalacqua, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors issued a resolution that designates April 18th - 24th as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Sonoma County. Crime victims and survivors, victim service providers, criminal and juvenile justice and allied professionals, and community volunteers will join together across America to commemorate the 24th anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

The Office for Victims of Crime within the United States Department of Justice awarded a grant of $5,000 to Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office to promote public awareness for victims of crime. Sonoma County is one of only 60 jurisdictions across the nation to receive this federal grant.

John W. Gillis, Director of the Office for Victims of Crime within the U.S. Department of Justice, encourages all people in America who share the core value of equal justice for all Americans to join in the commemoration of 2004 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. "Nobody asks to be victimized by violence and, when a crime occurs, victims need to be aware that they have rights within our justice system and many services to help them cope with the victimization," Gillis explained.

District Attorney Passalacqua indicated that, "National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an opportunity to promote public awareness of victims issues and concerns. A pledge to end violence to victims must be kept and we must recognize that when crime affects one person, it affects us all."

A luncheon is planned for Monday, April 19th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Vineyard Creek Hotel conference facility in Santa Rosa. National Domestic Violence Spokesperson and movie actor Victor Rivers will be the keynote speaker. He will discuss his experiences as a childhood survivor of domestic violence. The luncheon will also honor a select number of those in our community who have provided outstanding services to crime victims and their families and also recognize two very special survivors of crime for the courage they have displayed.

On Wednesday, April 21st, a candlelight vigil will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hall of Justice. This gathering will be a celebration and affirmation of the courage demonstrated by crime victims and those in the community who support them. There will be a bell ringing ceremony to honor those who have lost their lives to violence. The public is invited to participate in this event.

Planning for the events of Crime Victims’ Rights Week was a collaborative effort among the YWCA, United Against Sexual Assault, Council on Aging, Victim Advocate for Santa Rosa Police Department, The Million Mom March, Domestic Violence Counselors for the District Attorney, Redwood Children’s Center, Empire School of Law, and the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association. For additional information, please contact Director Tracy Lamb of Victim Assistance Center at 565-8250.