25 Years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act

Sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime since 1981 we have set aside
this week (April 26-May 2) to honor the Victims of crime and the advocates,
counselors and others who assist victims in their time of need and the law
enforcement personnel who work to bring offenders to justice.

I can remember when victims of serious crime were totally forgotten, left to
fend for themselves. Many suffered physical, psychological, and financial
losses with no where to turn for assistance. Law enforcement and some
prosecutor's offices would lend an ear but that was about it. Regaining
financially from the perpetrator is usually non-existent since most
criminals don't even possess the proverbial pot.

Today states provide victim advocates who help the victim through the
seemingly endless court system, provide counseling services where needed and
some states, including Iowa, also provide some financial assistance.

The Iowa Crime Victim Compensation Program is run by the Iowa Attorney
General and provides counseling, medical and financial assistance to victims
injured as the result of violent crime and drunk driving. An application can
be obtained from any law enforcement agency or the Iowa Attorney Generals
Office.

Iowa Victim Information and Notification Service (IowaVine) is a system that
allows the victim of serious crime access to the custody status of an
offender.

A lot of progress has been made but more remains. Typically juries are
easily swayed by defense attorneys to feel sorry for a defendant instead of
the victim. The clean cut polite and mild mannered defendant they see in
court is seldom a reflection of the real perpetrator.

Citizens are also not inclined to "get involved" by reporting crime,
testifying in court or assisting a victim. These attitudes not only hurt the
victim further but ensure that there will be more victims in the future.

Remember, this is America where everyone has the responsibility to look out
for each other. Keeping the victims of crime in mind helps us all.

Chief Arthur J. Sullivan, Jr.
Clermont Police Department
Clermont, Iowa
(563)423-7096