SHERIFF O'FLYNN URGES OBSERVANCE OF 23RD ANNUAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK

Sunday, April 6, 2003

During the week of April 6th through the 12th, 2003, crime victims, service providers, criminal and juvenile justice professionals, and community volunteers have joined together to commemorate the 23rd Anniversary of National crime Victims' Rights Week. The national theme, "Victims' Rights: Fulfill the Promise," emphasizes our promise to victims to treat them with dignity and compassion and identify and meet their most important needs.

"While the affects of crime can be devastating for both the victim and their family, criminal acts impact the entire community", said Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn. "For too long the victim had been the forgotten component in the criminal justice system, -now that is all changing with efforts like this."

In a report published by The National Center for Victims of Crime, teenagers are twice as likely as any other group to be victims of violent crime, and one in five teenagers report being the victim of a violent crime. "We recognize the importance of education in protecting our children from acts of violence", said Sheriff O'Flynn. "The Sheriff's Office continues to focus on our youth through our expanded DARE program, crime prevention officers and programs, and Community Services Unit which provides comprehensive Victim Assistance Programing."

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office encourages you to attend the Crime Victims' Rights March on April 12, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. The march will begin at 244 S. Plymouth Avenue and end at the Crime Victims' Memorial in Highland Park. For further information, contact: 428-5704

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