Victims’ rights to be celebrated

by Staff Pioneer Times
14 years ago

To the editor:
    During the week of April 10–16, communities throughout the nation will honor and support victims of crime by “Reshaping the Future; Honoring the Past.” The Maine Chapter of Parents Of Murdered Children and Other Survivors (POMC) will be hosting our seventh annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week celebration on Sunday, April 10 at the Calumet Club, Northern Ave. (Rte. 104) in Augusta.
    Since its inception in 1981, by President Ronald Reagan, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has challenged the nation to reshape the future of crime victims by seeking rights, resources, and protections needed to rebuild their lives. Every year, we also honor the past by celebrating decades of hard-earned progress and renewing our commitment to overcome the harm caused by crime and those who commit it.
    2011 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will recall the ideals that inspired the decades-long struggle of the victims’ rights movement and challenge all Americans to honor victims’ rights. Only a few decades ago, unfairness, indignities, and disrespect confronted many victims of crime. As of 2010, every state has passed victims’ rights laws, and 32 states have constitutional victims’ rights amendments. All states have victim compensation funds, and more than 10,000 victim assistance programs exist throughout the country. Many of these programs are funded by fines and surcharges imposed on criminals.
    Such changes have made victims participants, rather than bystanders, in the criminal justice system.
    The event will begin with a luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 pm. A panel of speakers will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a dessert reception. There is no cost, and everyone is invited to attend; feel free to bring relatives or friends. Survivors of murder victims are urged to bring a framed photo of their loved ones for a memorial table display.
    For additional information, call (207) 277-3518, or 623-8642.
Arthur Jette, Maine chapter leader
Parents Of Murdered Children
Cambridge