Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04/04/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROCLAIMS APRIL 23rd – 29th
CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK IN SONOMA COUNTY

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors issued a resolution that designates April 23rd – 29th as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Sonoma County. Crime victims and survivors and those who serve them will join together across the nation to promote victims’ rights and services and to educate our communities about the devastating impact of crime on victims, families, schools, and our community as a whole.

The theme for this year – "Victims’ Rights: Strength in Unity" – pays tribute to crime victims and survivors who, for many years, have joined together in mutual support and advocacy to promote victims’ rights and services. It also recognizes the continuing efforts of countless victim service providers, justice professionals, and allied organizations who selflessly dedicate their lives to helping victims of crime.

"Crime victims deserve a strong support system of family, friends, and service providers to help them through the healing process," said District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua.

According to John W. Gillis, Director of the Office for Victims of Crime within the U.S. Department of Justice, "The victims services field has gained strength by having a unified vision, a unified voice, and unified policies and practices to promote justice and healing for crime victims."

A luncheon is planned for Tuesday, April 25th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa. Special guest Carmina Salcido will receive the Courageous Survivor Award. Local crime victims and those who serve them will also be honored.

On Thursday, April 27th, a candlelight vigil and bell-ringing ceremony will take place at 6:00 in the evening at the Hall of Justice. This gathering will be a celebration and affirmation of the strength and courage demonstrated by crime victims and those in the community who support them. The names of crime victims will be read at the bell-ringing ceremony to honor their courage and recognize their loss and pain. This event is an opportunity for everyone in our community to participate and honor family and friends who have been victimized by crime. Call the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Center at 565-8250 with the name of a loved one you would like to have read at the bell-ringing ceremony.