The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office along with area law enforcement, the Warren County Commission and representatives from Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter participated in a ceremony to …
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The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office along with area law enforcement, the Warren County Commission and representatives from Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter participated in a ceremony to recognize National Crime Victim Rights Week Monday, April 20, at the flagpole in front of the Warren County Courthouse.
The event was the first of its kind since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and was reestablished with the goal of continuing the event well into the future, Victim Advocate Toni Evans said.
Prosecuting Attorney Rodney McKinney said that this year marks the 45th year of National Crime Victim Rights Week. McKinney said that victim’s rights are enshrined in the Missouri Constitution. McKinney said the county has shown its support for victim’s rights by funding two victim advocate positions.
Evans said that the prosecutor’s office has recently hired a new victim’s advocate, Shaina Harris to assist with the heavy case load the office handles. A victim advocate is a liaison between the victim and the prosecutor handling the case. A victim advocate’s role is to help victims understand the court system and file for resources under the Crime Victims Compensation fund, and provide information about resources available in the community. Advocates also help prepare victims for court appearances and keep them informed about all court events.
McKinney said the theme of this year’s week is “Listen, act, advocate and protect victims and preserve communities.”
He said relationships with area agencies were strained during COVID, but have been getting better over the last few years. One of the things that stopped during that period was holding formal ceremonies and recognizing the week appropriately.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was first proclaimed in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, and brings people together to recognize the impact of crime, honor survivors, and renew the community’s commitment to victims’ rights and services.
Turning Point hosted a small luncheon after the event at the University of Missouri Extension building downtow
