LAKE COUNTY – On Tuesday the Board of Supervisors proclaimed the week of April 13 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Lake County.

Twenty-three million Americans are victims of crime each year and 5.2 million are victims of violent crime, reported Chief Deputy James Bauman of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

“Those victims’ rights are a critical component to the foundation for our system of justice in America and a just society acknowledges the impact of crime on individuals, families, and communities by ensuring that rights, resources and services are available to help rebuild lives,” Bauman said.

Observing victims’ rights and treating victims with dignity and respect serves the public interest by engaging victims in the justice system, inspiring respect for public authorities, and promoting confidence in those charged with preserving public safety, according to Bauman.

While the nation has steadily expanded rights, protections and services for victims of crime, it is recognized that citizens must continue to ensure services are available to victims with disabilities, mental illness, those who are teens or who are elderly, and those living in rural areas or communities of color, said Bauman.

Making our homes, neighborhoods and communities safer and stronger by serving victims of crimes helps ensure “justice for all,” said Bauman. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides an opportunity for all of us to strive to reach the goal of justice by ensuring that all victims are afforded their legal rights and provided support as they face the financial, physical, and psychological impact of crime.

Bauman said the Lake County Sheriff’s Department will continue to join forces with the Victim Witness Section of the District Attorney’s Office, the Superior Courts, and concerned citizens throughout Lake County to raise awareness about victims’ rights and observe the 28th National Crime

Victims’ Rights Week.

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