Take Note as Victims’ Rights Week Ends

Have you ever had to write a victim impact statement? How about search for a missing person? Maybe you are a survivor of a violent crime. It is Crime Victims’ Rights Week - April 8th through the 14th – there is one day left to this week, but victims’ rights are on-going. This week is an opportunity to recognize victims have rights. Victims’ rights are solidified in the Alaska Constitution, Article I, section 24 and statutes. Crimes have ripple effects – the violence affects the victim, families, friends, communities, the economy, the list keeps going.

As we end the week of recognizing victims’ rights, there are news reports of growing crime; thus, growing more victims. Many people may have watched KTVA, “Voices of Alaska: Catch and Release,” a close look at Alaska’s new pre-trial system, which went into effect January 2018. I recommend to research, think critically, look at the issue from different angles and come to your own conclusions. Here is the link for you to watch the short program:

My conclusion: SB 91 is flawed. Here is an interview from Jan, 2017 (warning: it is not pretty!): http://www.youralaskalink.com/news/exclusive-interview-with-edie-grunwald-on-crime-in-the-community/article_20ad5730-ded4-11e6-bb74-a7686f97b3c2.html

There are many resources for victims. Alaska has the Office of Victims’ Rights. It is imperative for a victim and those wanting to help the victim to explore this information: http://law.alaska.gov/department/criminal/victims_assistHANDBOOK.html In addition, there are non-profit agencies, private enterprises and attorneys who may assist victims. On a different note, victims learn about the “club.” To put a positive spin on the never-wants-to-be-a-member club: it might be a one-time connection or acknowledgment of other victims; it could be social networks that prove to be helpful, i.e,. a Facebook group such as “Compassionate Friends,” or a grief support group. Grief can be a tricky experience; it is different for each person. Grief can take different forms as time goes by. The saying, “time heals,” is not a one-size-fits-all. For many, grief may change in the type, depth and breadth of emotions; but, it is forever. Many people act to be a part of victim support and crime prevention programs (thank you!).

Because it is Crime Victims’ Rights Week, let’s learn about a few rights! Victims of crime can be engaged in the criminal justice process. [if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"></v:path> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_i1031" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="See the source image" style='width:7.5pt;height:8.25pt;visibility:visible; mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/edieg/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="See the source image"></v:imagedata> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif] Were you aware that victims are to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness? [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_12" o:spid="_x0000_i1030" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="See the source image" style='width:7.5pt;height:8.25pt; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/edieg/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="See the source image"></v:imagedata> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif] A victim has the right to be protected throughout the judicial process- from the time after arrest or summons until disposition of the case including the time it takes for the guilty to appeal (“…the court setting appropriate bail or setting conditions of release after arrest or summons until the end of trial or final disposition of the case, and in situations where the defendant, although convicted of the crime, is released pending appeal.”) [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_i1029" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="See the source image" style='width:7.5pt;height:8.25pt; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/edieg/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="See the source image"></v:imagedata> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif] Victims may speak with the prosecution. [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_15" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="See the source image" style='width:7.5pt;height:8.25pt; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/edieg/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="See the source image"></v:imagedata> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif] Victims are provided a timely disposition of the case after an arrest. [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_14" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="See the source image" style='width:7.5pt;height:8.25pt; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/edieg/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="See the source image"></v:imagedata> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif] Victims are provided information about and be allowed to attend all criminal or juvenile proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present. [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_16" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="See the source image" style='width:7.5pt;height:8.25pt; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/edieg/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title="See the source image"></v:imagedata> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif] Victims are to be provided restitution from the defendant who is found guilty. [if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_11" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Image result for symbol that means justice" style='width:14.25pt;height:13.5pt;flip:x;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/edieg/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.jpg" o:title="Image result for symbol that means justice"></v:imagedata> </v:shape><![endif][if !vml][endif] Let this soak in as we think about victims’ rights.

DG Signs Missing David sign

Search Crowd at Church 2016

Supporters at David's Vigil

Crowd in Courtroom

Tree Ribbon Ceremony 2017