Wyoming joins 2008 Crime Victims’ Rights Week observance
Justice for Victims. Justice for All.
by Governor Freudenthal’s office
April 12, 2008
(Cheyenne) - Governor Freudenthal has declared April 13th to April19th, 2008 as Crime Victims Rights Week (CVRW) here in Wyoming. Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time for all Americans to learn about victimization, reflect on the cost of crime to our society, and promote laws, policies, and programs to help victims of crime rebuild their lives. The week’s theme, “Justice for Victims and Justice for All,” means that there will be no justice for any of us if we don’t seek greater fairness for victims of crime. It’s time for our community to stand behind those harmed by crime.
Justice for victims has progressed dramatically since the 1980’s. Every state has a crime victim compensation fund, and powerful federal laws, such as the Violence Against Women Act and the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, to help protect victims and fund needed services. In Wyoming, the Office of the Attorney General Division of Victim Services is taking additional steps to improve the services available to victims of crime through the implementation of the first State-wide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) system, otherwise known as VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). VINE will be available in all county detention centers and Wyoming Department of Correction facilities, including the Parole Board, in the summer of 2009. VINE provides up-to-date information on the custody status of an offender and helps to provide victims with added peace of mind and real-time information in order to remain safe in their communities.
During CVRW, Wyoming victim service providers will commemorate Crime Victims’ Rights Week with special events and programs beginning with a one minute observed moment of silence on Monday, April 14th, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. Many state agencies, local schools and other allied professionals will take part in this moment of silence, including inmates at the various Wyoming Department of Correction facilities.
Community members are encouraged to join in the week’s activities and get involved in helping victims of crime. For additional information about Crime Victims’ Rights Week and ideas on how to serve victims in your community, please contact the Wyoming Division of Victim Services at 307-777-7200.
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