During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Sheriff DeMarco recognized Laura Ahearn and the new CrimeVictimsCenter for their commitment to victims’ services. The CrimeVictimsCenter provides vital information and multi-agency service referrals for support and assistance to victims of violent crime. The CrimeVictimsCenter also links victims of violent crime and elderly, minor or disabled victims of crime to the New York State Crime Victims Board for medical and counseling expenses and essential personal property losses.
Laura Ahearn said, “On behalf of the CrimeVictimsCenter at Parents for Megan’s Law, I would like to thank Sheriff DeMarco for his recognition of our efforts at the CrimeVictimsCenter. A crime victim’s place in our system of justice must be a priority and not subordinate to any other component. The rights of victims of crime belong to them, and access to these rights and services must be readily available and provided with recognition of individual needs, with dignity and with respect. Working with supportive and collaborative partners in law enforcement, such as Sheriff DeMarco, we have made significant progress. We can all be proud of what has been accomplished as we move forward to confront the challenges to provide all victims of crime with the support and services they need and are entitled to.”
Sheriff DeMarco is also encouraging victims to use the New York Sheriff’s Victim Hotline Program, or access www.vinelink.com which provides valuable information about their offender’s custody status and notification of release.
“Injustice to victims weakens public safety,” said Sheriff DeMarco. “If victims are too discouraged to report crimes or serve as witnesses, our criminal justice system grinds to a halt. Every American has a stake in victims’ rights.”
Victims of crime have a right to know if their offender is in a New York correctional facility or back on the street. Simply by logging on to the VINE website, or making one toll-free call to 1-888-VINE-4-NY, a victim can immediately learn the custody status of any offender housed in any of New York’s county jails, or New York City or New YorkState correctional facilities. Also, the New York Sheriffs’ Victim Hotline can automatically notify victims by e-mail or telephone, if the offender’s status changes. This is a crucially important service for victims, their families and friends.
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