Candlelight Vigil for Crime Victims

LIBERTY, March 25, 2008 - The Office of Liberty County District Attorney Mike Little has issued a county-wide invitation to attend the candlelight vigil for crime victims and child abuse victims which will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at the Liberty Center, City of Liberty Municipal Complex, 1829 Sam Houston Ave., Liberty, Texas.  The Liberty County District Attorney’s Office, the Liberty County Attorney’s Office, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Bridgehaven Children’s Advocacy Center, BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) are co-sponsoring the vigil.

The purpose of the vigil is to help the public honor victims of crime, their families and those who serve them and to alert the public to the realities of crime, and express hope for a less violent future.  The vigil is a part of the local observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which is scheduled for the week of April 13 to 19, 2008.  The theme of Crime Victims’ Rights Week this year is “Justice for Victims. Justice for ALL.”  This theme will be observed by the District Attorney’s Office, the Liberty County Attorney’s Office, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Bridgehaven Children’s Advocacy Center, BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse), and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), along with thousands of victim service and allied professional organizations and agencies across the United States.  National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be observed across our nation by victims and survivors and the professionals and volunteers who assist them.  This year’s theme - “Justice for Victims. Justice for ALL.”– evokes the highest American ideals boldly stating that without justice to victims, there can be no justice for all, and affirms decades of effort to ensure rights, protections, and services for victims of crime.  It reminds our nation how far victims’ rights have come and how far we still have to go and stresses that our community must be ever vigilant in continuing to stand behind those harmed by crime.

District Attorney Mike Little encourages all people in our area to join all people in America who share the core value of equal justice for all Americans to join in the commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Child Abuse Prevention Month.  “Nobody wants to be a victim of violence and, when a crime occurs, those who are victimized need to be aware that they have rights within our criminal justice system and that there are many services to assist them in coping with the victimization,” Little explained.  “When we are all informed and aware of the rights of crime victims and the services available to them, we are then committed to shared values of justice for all, as well as assistance and support for our family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors who are hurt by crime.”

“Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time for all Americans to learn about victimization, reflect on the cost of crime to our society, and promote laws, policies, and programs to help victims of crime rebuild their lives,” said Mike Little.  “Let’s build on our past successes and renew our commitment to making comprehensive victims’ rights and services a reality in every community.  The millions of people in this country who are victimized by crime each year deserve no less.  Child Abuse Prevention Month is a reminder that we all bear the responsibility of preventing the abuse of all children.”

All members of our community are encouraged to promote, “Justice for Victims. Justice for ALL.,” by joining crime victims and survivors, victim advocates, justice professionals and many others during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Child Abuse Prevention Month.  For additional information about Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and/or the upcoming Candlelight Vigil on April 17, 2008, you are encouraged to contact Victim Assistance Coordinator Kathy Lowe at the Liberty County District Attorney’s Office 936/336-4612.

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