Next week, Monroe County will observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
This year’s theme is "Honoring our past, creating hope for the future.”
County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo talked about why awareness for victims’ rights and promoting resources benefit the whole community.
"When victims are standing shoulder to shoulder and we are supporting them, and their voices are heard, this community does wonderful things," Dinolfo said.
Deputy Chief of Police LaRon Singletary said the term “victim” knows no bounds.
"The term ‘victim’ impacts upper class, middle class; those living in poverty,” Singletary said. “The term ‘victim’ knows no neighborhoods, no socioeconomic class."
The goal of the week is to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and introduce the community to resources.
District Attorney Sandra Doorley said victims and witnesses are the most important people her department deals with.
“If we didn’t have the support of witnesses and the support of victims,” she said, “we would not be able to pursue our cases and make sure that those who pose a danger to our society are held accountable."
The Monroe County Crime Victims Coalition includes support from agencies like the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, Bivona Child Advocacy Center, and Willow Domestic Violence Center.