Victim's Rights Week

Victim's Rights Week is over and as before, it was a tremendous honor to participate in events with our artwork.  Every year, Arizona State University provides a wonderful forum for guest speakers and community participants to come and learn more about legislative efforts, lessons from real stories, and to meet some movers and shakers who are working hard to promote the rights of victims.  Interesting that we have this movement in the first place until you take a look at the legal system.  Touted as one of the best in the world because a defendent is "innocent until proven guilty," the due process makes for many rights for perpetrators in an effort to prevent real innocents from prosecution.  The victims who suffer the consequences of a crime are left to their own devices.  Don't believe me however, talk to someone who has lost a loved one from a homicide or trying to put a life back together after identity theft has left them bankrupt.  Not easy. 

Remembering the victims from the Tucson Shooting.

Things are changing thanks to groups like the FBI Victim Assistance, Victim Services with the Attorney General's Office, Victim Advocates with the Police Department, and organizations like Against Abuse and countless other groups.  Many of these folks were victims themselves and have chosen to help others because no one will do it for us if we don't come together as a community.  Another lesson?  Don't think a crime can't happen because, heaven forbid, you may find yourself in the middle of picking the pieces of your life.  At least you know there are understanding people out there for you to lean on and THAT is something that no criminal can take away.

Crime Victim's Rights by State