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Victims and advocates to be honored during ‘Crime Victims’ Rights Week’

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Crime victims and advocates alike will be the honored and celebrated guests during this year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week in the Show-Me State.

Gov. Eric Greitens proclaimed April 2-8 as a week to honor the continuing efforts of Missourians seeking to make the state a safer place in their mission for justice. The week will highlight some of the significant gains made in the fight for Missouri crime victims and the programs that assist survivors and victims throughout the state in their healing processes. 

“Law enforcement cannot win the fight against crime alone, and throughout my almost four decades in public safety, I’ve seen just how important victims can be in the effort to create safer neighborhoods and support communities,” Department of Public Safety Director Drew Juden said. “The Missouri Department of Public Safety works to support crime victims through grants that support domestic violence shelters, counseling services, and victim advocates, along with direct support to victims to reimburse them for medical expenses, counseling, and lost wages through the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program.”

A ceremony will observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week on Monday, April 3 at the Capitol. This year’s theme is “Strength. Resilience. Justice.” Department of Public Safety Director Drew Juden, Missouri State Highway Patrol Col. Sandra Karsten, Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys President-elect Mark Richardson, and Missouri Office of Prosecution Services Director Jason Lamb will join with victim speaker Jane Fulhage for a noon ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. 

The Missouri Crime Victims’ Compensation program helps pay violent crime victims’ out-of-pocket expenses, such as counseling, funeral expenses, and lost wages. In the last five years, it has awarded more than $24 million to more than 8,500 Missourians who were affected by violent crime. 

The following agencies donated their time and effort to make this year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week ceremony and awareness events successes: Green Dot Program of Lincoln University, Missouri Attorney General’s Office, Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Missouri Department of Corrections, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Missouri Department of Public Safety – Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, Missouri Department of Public Safety – Crime Victim Services Unit, Missouri Department of Social Services – Division of Youth Services, Missouri KidsFirst, Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, Missouri Secretary of State’s Office – Safe at Home Program, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Victim Assistance Network, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.