The voices of victims of crime must be heard, even if they are often relegated to an obscure silence, says Theresa Roth.
“I think the theme here, centered around raising voices, is very, very important because crime often happens in private, behind closed doors,” said Roth, program coordinator for the Justice for Children Advocacy. Center, at a recent Genesee County meeting. .
The meeting of lawmakers was set to recognize various efforts across the county and across the country in April, and this week shines a spotlight on the rights of victims of crime.
Lawmaker Gary Maha read a related proclamation which states:
WHEREAS the term victim is more than just a label and has legal status and the protections that go with it; And
WHEREAS the laws on the rights of victims of crime passed here in New York and at the federal level
guarantee victims the right to participate meaningfully in criminal justice
process; And
WHEREAS, victim service providers, advocates, law enforcement officers,
lawyers and other allied professionals can help victims obtain justice by
enforce these rights; And
WHEREAS victim service providers and allied professionals can reach more
victims through innovative trauma-informed programs, such as telehealth services
and multidisciplinary teams; And
WHEREAS victim service providers and allied professionals can increase access to
victim services and compensation in historically underserved areas,
marginalized and negatively affected by inequalities by implementing
responsive services; And
WHEREAS equity and inclusion are fundamental prerequisites for survivorship care,
and survivor-led services that offer victims the opportunity to share their
experiences are essential blueprints for support; And
WHEREAS National Victims of Crime Rights Week provides an opportunity to
recommit to ensuring that accessible, appropriate and trauma-informed services are
offered to all victims of crime; And
WHEREAS, Genesee County hereby commits to assisting survivors of crime in finding
justice by upholding victims’ rights, expanding access to services and ensuring
equity and inclusion for all. Now let it be
RESOLVED, That the Genesee County Legislature proclaim the week of April 23-
29, 2023 Genesee County Victims of Crime Week.
Genesee Justice’s Diana Prinzi said the most important thing her agency can do first is “let their voices be heard.” And then to take the crucial steps to help victims begin to heal.
“We are working with everyone in our community to try to restore them. And let them know that we care and provide the services they need to fix the harm done to them,” she said. “And we appreciate all the members of the community who help with this, our other agencies that we partner with, the multidisciplinary teams that we work with. We couldn’t do it alone.
County Legislator Gary Maha and Diana Prinzi mentor Theresa Roth as she speaks about the importance of raising the voices of victims at a recent gathering that recognized Victims of Crime and Victims Rights Week other efforts that are part of April. Photo by Joanne Beck.