KENNEWICK, Wash. – National Crime Victims’ Rights Week raises awareness for victims’ rights and services, honors crime victims and promotes justice and healing.
The annual observance brings communities together to support victims. JoDee Garretson, Executive Director at the Support, Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC), explained the importance of victims advocating for themselves.
“So, the more aware the victims can be of their rights, they can feel more empowered and they can speak up for themselves, and they can feel more a part of the process and not a victim to yet another situation that makes them feel vulnerable,” Garretson said.
Assistant United States Attorney Laurel Holland emphasized the value of educating survivors about their rights. She noted that understanding their protections helps them access support and participate in the justice process.
“When a crime victim experiences this type of situation, it’s really imperative that they understand that we as prosecutors, but also the justice system is set up to the extent that it can make them more whole and to make them a whole person after whatever crime it was occurred to them,” Holland said.
This year’s theme, “Kinship,” highlights the importance of supporting all crime victims. Garretson explained that shared humanity promotes connecting and healing.
“It’s hard to talk to other people. And when you know that there’s other people around you that support you that aren’t judging, it can make an enormous difference in the healing for a victim of crime,” Garretson said.
SARC offers free 24-hour services for crime victims and supports them in many ways. More information about SARC’s services can be found here.
