April 19 – 25, 2020, is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme, Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights’ | Inspire Hope, is in keeping with the longstanding mission of the District Attorney’s Office to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and provide our community with information about services and resources.
Since 1981, the men and women of the District Attorney’s Office have joined with victims, their loved ones, community leaders, local law enforcement, and advocacy partners in a public ceremony and march to reflect the unity of our community’s support for victims of crime. Public awareness is essential to propel the victims’ rights movement forward, inspiring in victims and their loved ones feelings of hope, justice, and healing.
Regarding the cancellation of this year’s event, District Attorney Totten said, “Observance of public health orders and social distancing practices prevent us from gathering in a public setting, but this national observance is of great importance. Let us all remember the personal stories of loss, survival, independence, strength, and resilience of crime victims and survivors and reflect upon them.”
Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Jump shared information on the County’s live broadcast today at 1:00 p.m., Channel 3 News, ABC7, and Spectrum 1 and for social media @CountyVentura, regarding the challenges and impacts of the pandemic for some of the most vulnerable. During this unprecedented time, many are faced with the additional challenges caused by health concerns, job loss, childcare, homeschooling, housing and food instability, and a host of other psychological and physical stressors. Any one of these challenges can be flashpoints for domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual violence, and other forms of interpersonal violence.
If you or someone you know is a victim of one of these crimes, there is help. Please call the Family Justice Center at (805) 652-7655, email us at [email protected], or visit vcfjc.org for more information regarding the partners and services available. Resources and contacts are also available at vcemergency.com. In an emergency, please call 911.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.
Follow the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office on Twitter @VenturaDAOffice
Get Citizensjournal.us Headlines free SUBSCRIPTION. Keep us publishing – DONATE
