|
Crime Victims Must Not Be Forgotten
On December 11, 2003 the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office held its annual candlelight vigil for crime victims. The ceremony honored those families who have lost loved ones as a result of a criminal act during this year.
In my opinion, this ceremony was important for many reasons. Not only does this vigil give the victim's families a time to come together to see their loved ones recognized, it also affords the community the opportunity to send a message that these victims are not forgotten. As our homicide rate has risen over the past year, it is imperative for all of us to do everything that we can to not only bring the number of homicides down, but to offer the much needed support for those who have suffered in so many ways due to these senseless acts.
This year's ceremony featured a well-known member of the Atlanta media, Jocelyn Dorsey, as the keynote speaker. Ms. Dorsey, Director of Community Affairs for WSB-TV, recently lost her son a result of homicide in Fulton County. District Attorney Daniel J. Porter also spoke at this event.
As in previous years, Dr. William L. Sheals of Hopewell Baptist Church and members of the church choir participated in the ceremony. Members of the Duluth High School orchestra and the Gwinnett County Fire Department Honor Guard were also participants in the program.
Even though the Victim Witness Program is involved in many programs that assist crime victims, the candlelight vigil is the event that their office is the most proud. During the holiday season, this vigil offers support and comfort to families whose holiday seasons will forever be changed.
The movement to ensure that crime victims receive those fundamental rights guaranteed through the 1995 legislation known as the Crime Victims Bill of Rights has made amazing progress in the past few years. Several states have passed similar legislation and there is a proposed amendment, on the Federal level, that would bring all states under a mandate to provide victim services. It is gratifying to finally see victims receive some attention from the judicial system, which has historically been focused on defendants. It is definitely time for the victims to receive the attention!
For further information, visit www.voice4victims.com
If you are interested in having Mr. Hall speak at your next club or group meeting, please email contact information to:
SHall
BadgeNotes@aol.com
121903
Archive
|
