Yorktown, VA-York/Poquoson Victim Witness Assistance Program, in commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 8-14 hosted their 2nd Annual Luncheon to celebrate and honor victim services providers in York County and the City of Poquoson, raising awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights.
This year’s theme–Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims—highlights how the investment of communities in crime victims expands the opportunity for victims to disclose their victimization, connect with services, and receive the support they need.
The York/Poquoson Victim Witness Program commemorated the advancement of victims’ rights and highlighted issues surrounding victimization at their celebration luncheon held Tuesday, 12 p.m. at the Freight Shed in Yorktown.
The successful event was attended by the York/Poquoson Commonwealth’s Attorney, Benjamin Hahn, York/Poquoson Sheriff, Danny Diggs, and many other members of the Sheriff’s Office, Poquoson Police Department, Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, and other community agencies. The guest speaker was Mrs. Annie Gallagher, whose daughter Katie Freel, was murdered by her husband in 2015. She spoke eloquently about her experience as a victim of crime, how important the support of victim service providers was in guiding her through the criminal justice process, and about finding little bits of joy in daily life.
Mr. Hahn gave remarks and passed on to at attendees that “we must this day, resolve to join together with victims of crime, to be architects of the future rather than victims of the past”. The York/Poquoson Victim Witness Program also honored Lori West, Assistant Director; Master Police Officer Matthew Marlowe, Poquoson Police Department; and Master Deputy Benjamin Howlett, York/Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, who have been champions in working with and supporting victims of crime. The York/Poquoson Victim Witness Program Director, Anika Virgin, closed the program with an inspiring quote from Mahatma Ghandi –A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.
For more information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please contact the York/Poquoson Victim Witness Program at (757) 890-3402 or visit www.yorkcounty.gov/vw. For additional ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit the Office for Victims of Crime website at www.ovc.gov.
Submitted by the York/Poquoson Victim Witness Program
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