WHEREAS, in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 2 through April 8, 2017, the Victims Services Division of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office requests that the Hennepin County Board pass a resolution identifying this week as National Victims’ Rights Week; and
WHEREAS, the theme of this year’s event is “Strength-Resilience-Justice”; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, Hennepin County Adult and Juvenile Prosecution Crime Victim Advocates provided direct services to over 5,207 crime victims; and
WHEREAS, advocates serve large and diverse population of individuals who have been victims of crime; and
WHEREAS, advocates work with individuals, families, and community impacted by violence – persons who have suffered a death of a loved one due to homicide, child and adult victims of sexual assault and abuse, elder abuse, domestic abuse and family violence, and victims of violent and person crimes including robbery, assault, theft, fraud, property crimes, and criminal vehicular homicides; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, the Hennepin County Domestic Abuse Service Center reported 9,532 contacts with victims. This number includes in person, telephone, and court attendance with victims; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County Victim Services and our community and state partners strive to best serve victims of crimes by building trust and restoring hope; therefore