'Expand the circle, reach all victims'

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Victim/Witness Program recognizes April 8-14, 2018 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring victims of all crimes.

The 2018 theme, “Expand the circle, reach all victims” reminds communities that by coming together to support and assist victims of all crimes, we help the healing of victims and survivors and also help break the cycle of violence. Through community action and service, we all become stronger, together. Each year, we have the opportunity to highlight the diversity of our communities in Carbon County, expand our partnerships to provide service to victims of all crimes and to empower crime victims as they pursue safety, justice and healing.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week honors and celebrates the achievements of the past 30 years in securing rights, protections and services for victims of all crimes. In 1984, the bipartisan Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) was enacted. This was historic legislation. The national funds support crime victim compensation programs that help reimburse victims for many out-of-pocket expenses that they face in the aftermath of crime such as medical care, counseling, funerals, and lost wages.

VOCA funds also support services for victims of all types of crime including assistance for homicide survivors, survivors of child sexual abuse and victims of human trafficking. VOCA funds help victim/witness programs, rape crisis centers and domestic violence programs. In Carbon County, the VOCA funds received by the Carbon County Sheriff’s Victim/Witness Program ensure that services are available to assist victims of all crime by providing physical, emotional and financial assistance and guidance navigating the criminal justice system.

For more information about crime victim services in our area, please contact the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, Victim/Witness Program at 307-328-7713.