Justice for Crime Victims luncheon today at Capitol

Promotion of Victims’ Rights is focus of Statewide Capitol Rally
Effort is part of National Crime Victims Rights Week

Arizona Voice for Crime Victims and The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is hosting a rally April 14, 2008 at the State Capitol to raise awareness of crime victims’ rights both at the Capitol and across Arizona. The keynote speaker will be Sharon Kuntson-Felix, the 100 Club of Arizona Executive Director.

The 100 Club supports the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters in times of need. Sharon is the widow of DPS Officer Doug Knutson, who died in the line of duty in 1998.

The week of April 13 - 19, 2008, is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which was first designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. This annual observance seeks to increase public awareness of, and knowledge among crime victims and survivors about, the wide range of rights and services available to people who have been victimized by crime.

The theme of this year’s awareness program is “Justice for Victims, Justice for All.” The community awareness project is being conducted in conjunction with the US Justice Department through the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators.

Steve Twist, President of Arizona Voice for Crime Victims, co-host for the rally said, “While we have come very far in our fight for justice for crime victims, we still have very far to go if we are to have a truly victim centered justice system. The Maricopa County Attorney is a strong leader in this cause and AVCV is honored to join with him for this important event.”

County Attorney Thomas stated, “While the legal system is adept at making sure suspects are aware of their rights, the rights of victims must also be protected. We hope our efforts will increase awareness of victims’ rights.”

For additional information about the statewide rally, or crime victims’ rights and services, visit the Web site at www.JusticeForVictimsAZ.com. For information about Arizona Voice for Crime Victims, visit their website at www.voiceforvictims.org. For information about national efforts to promote 2008 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, please visit the Office for Victims of Crime Web site at http://www.ovc.gov/ncvrw/welcome.html.