04/17/98

Victims Rights are Right for America!

Dear Beth Bruno:

In reading the CT Attorney's response (4/10/98) to those who criticized the American justice system, I was struck by the lack of attention paid to the victims of crime in our society. As next week (April 19-25) marks National Crime Victim Rights Week, I am wondering if you would post some information on this issue?

There are Crime Victim Rights Week events in various parts of the state. Readers need only contact a domestic violence shelter, sexual assault crisis service, MADD Chapter or the State's Office of Victim Services 860.529.3089 to inquire about other events.

Consider the following:

Violence has touched every one of us in each and every community across Connecticut. Either directly by the thousands of victims and survivors of crime, or indirectly such as when we were all shocked and saddened by the murders at Lottery Headquarters in Newington. When even one person is hurt by violent victimization -- a family member or friend, neighbor or co-worker -- we all feel the collective pain.

For the past 30 years victims of crime have been struggling for rights, protections and services. Their voices are being heard now as never before. Despite the long way to go to assure true victim justice there is a greater focus on the need for safer communities, offender accountability and help for victims in the aftermath of traumatic victimization.

The reasons for this renewed focus on victims' rights are clear. First, it is the right thing to do. Moreover, the cost of crime in the United States is staggering. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that crime victimization generates $105 billion annually just in property and productivity losses and medical expenses. When pain and suffering of victims, along with long-term emotional trauma and disability, are added in, the cost of crime rises to $450 billion annually. That equates to $1,800 a year for every man, woman, and child in the United States!

Crime victims know these losses in a direct and personal way. A victim of sexual assault can tell you about being afraid to go to sleep at night after a rapist broke into her home. Domestic violence victims can describe the hopelessness and helplessness they felt while enduring endless battering, because they feared for their lives and the lives of their children. Survivors of homicide can relate the daily, gut wrenching, utter devastation of losing a child or a spouse and living with these feelings for a lifetime. Drunk driving crash victims and survivors know the pain of losing a loved one or living with permanent physical disabilities. Child abuse victims can tell you of the loss of a childhood that accompanied their abuse. Victims of violence rooted in hatred toward people of certain races or religions suffer harm, anger and frustration not only for themselves, but for an entire community. Elderly victims often suffer in loneliness and isolation, often shocked by being victimized by their own children.

Nearly one out of every seven people who live in the U.S. is victimized each year. What do these innocent victims of violence need that we as concerned citizens, friends and neighbors can provide? First and foremost, we can express sincere sorrow for their victimization. Rather than blaming the victim or judging them for having been singled out for victimization, we can be there and be supportive. Next, we can all promote increased rights and services for victims throughout their ordeal. Finally, we can truly change the justice system in Connecticut to ensure that basic victim rights and services are provided in every case, throughout the state.

Connecticut is one of 29 states that have amended their state constitution to better assure victims rights. This year, and in the years to come, our legislature will be addressing important issues regarding adequate funding for victim services and enforcement of victims legal rights. Contact your state representative and senator and tell them you support efforts to provide victim services throughout Connecticut, such as the establishment of the Office of the Victim Advocate to help enforce victims' rights throughout the criminal justice system.

There are other things you can do, too. On the local level, support your area's victim services programs. Either through financial support or volunteering, your worthwhile contributions will benefit the entire community and bring you the satisfaction of helping abused children, battered and sexually assaulted women, and many other victims and survivors of crime and violence.

On the national level call your congressional representative and Senators Dodd and Lieberman to support a federal constitutional amendment currently pending before Congress. The bill has bi-partisan support and President Clinton has supported the amendment stating that victims "should be at the center of the criminal justice process, not on the outside looking in." It truly is time to recognize that Victims Rights are Right for America!

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.