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Only 30 years ago, crime victims had no rights, access to crime victim compensation, or services to help rebuild their lives. They were often excluded from courtrooms, treated as an afterthought by the criminal justice system, and denied an opportunity to speak at sentencing.

Yet through decades of advocacy and hard work, the rights of crime victims have come a long way. Today, all states have enacted crime victims’ rights laws and established crime victim compensation funds. More than 10,000 victim service agencies help victims throughout the nation. Despite all the advances, many challenges remain. According to last year’s National Crime Victimization Survey, more than 50 percent of violent crimes are not reported to police.

The Support Center is proud to be one of the 10,000 victim service agencies in the nation.

April 21-27 we will be recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. A march and vigil will be held in Okanogan on April 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the front steps of the Okanogan County Courthouse followed by a vigil and refreshments at The Support Center. Please join us. For more information, call (509) 826-3221 or 1-888-826-3221.

Margo Amelong,

Executive Director

The Support Center

Omak