SUNBURY - "Victims have a voice in the criminal justice system."
That was the message declared by Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini and two victim witness coordinators who were featured speakers at a 30-minute program Wednesday afternoon commemorating National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
The event, which was moved from Cameron Park to Courtroom 1 in the county courthouse because of rain, also included a brief history of programs that protect crime victims' rights and special presentations by Rosini to victim witness coordinators Candace Armstrong and Lori Buttorff, and the county's initial victim witness coordinator, Ruby Burt.
Buttorff, of Mifflinburg, who has served as victim witness coordinator for the county's Juvenile Court Services since September 2000, stated, "This week is a time that has been set aside to recognize the tremendous progress that has been made in securing and strengthening the legal rights, protections and services for victims of crime."
She added, "National Crime Victims' Rights Week also serves to remind us that crime can strike anyone and in many forms. In this sense, when we hear the words 'victims rights,' we are truly speaking of everyone's rights. And with that thought, we remember that justice for victims promotes justice for all."
Armstrong, of Northumberland, who has served as victim witness coordinator in the district attorney's office since 2007, said she and Buttorff are victim advocates, but are only a small sampling of those who ensure the rights of victims are preserved.
"There are many others in the community who should be commended for their commitment in assisting crime victims recover from the trauma of their ordeal," Armstrong said. "Law enforcement, schools, community groups, non-profit agencies, volunteers, and local and state officials also help protect the rights of crime victims. All of them are working to address the challenging issues that surround crime and victimization and are active in empowering victims and helping them rebuild their lives. Through their guidance, information, support and encouragement, victims today in Northumberland County walk the path to recovery, knowing that there will always be someone to travel along with them."
Burt, who became the county's first victim witness coordinator in 1988, recalled the challenges her office faced when the position was initially created as a part-time post. She cited the significant progress made over the years to protect crime victims' rights.
The Shamokin woman, who retired in August 2007, praised Armstrong and Buttorff for their tremendous work ethic over the years.
Burt said, "Crime victims come in all colors, ages and genders, and from various backgrounds. Victims are no longer faceless. Thanks to judges, district attorneys and police, victims' rights today are just as important as the rights of defendants."
Rosini said the theme for this year's National Crime Victims' Rights Week is "Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past."
The district attorney said victims' rights took a giant step forward in 1982 when President Ronald Reagan appointed a task force to review the plight of crime victims. He said the task force cited many cases in which crime victims were basically ignored, if not mistreated, by the criminal justice system.
Rosini said Congress passed landmark legislation in 1984 that provided crime victims with rights. The legislation known as Victims of Crime Act or VOCA, established the Crime Victims Fund, which is supported by fines paid by offenders and provides resources for crime victims' compensation and numerous assistance programs.
He said the programs pay for many of the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by crime victims, including medical care, counseling, funerals and lost wages.
Rosini said VOCA funds are used to pay for both victim witness coordinators in the county. He said Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition receives VOCA funding.
The district attorney said, "Both Candi and Lori have done an excellent job in working with victims and their families. They not only provide them with information to obtain services, but they are a source of moral support to victims in dealing with the aftermath of a criminal act. They have increased the number of victims they have served and are the glue that holds our victim services program together and make it work for all of the victims in Northumberland County. They are truly reshaping the future of the lives of many victims."
Rosini said, "This year's theme calls us to reflect together on how far we have come and where we are headed. Honoring the past for victims of crime means never forgetting the impact of crime. There was a time not so long ago when our nation viewed domestic violence as a family matter rather than a crime. And a blind eye was turned on abuse. So honoring the past also means celebrating the progress in establishing victims' rights."
Rosini presented Burt, Armstrong and Buttorff with flowers as a small token of his appreciation for their outstanding efforts over the years. He also presented plaques to Armstrong and Buttorff and read a proclamation from the county commissioners declaring April 10 to April 16 as National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
The Rev. Mark Gittens, pastor of Higher Hope Church in Selinsgrove and a member of the Juvenile Court Services Advisory Board, offered an opening and closing prayer at the program.
Among those in attendance were county Judges William H. Wiest and Charles Saylor, employees from human services programs and court-related personnel including adult and juvenile probation officials.