***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2016

"SERVING VICTIMS, BUILDING TRUST, RESTORING HOPE."

Media Contact: Curtis T. Hill, Jr. (574) 296-1888

"Serving Victims, Building Trust, Restoring Hope." is the theme for this year's National Crime Victims' Rights Week which is observed from April 10-16, 2016. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney recognizes the work done by victim advocates and community organizations as they come together to build trust and restore hope to victims of crime.

In 2015 victim advocates from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney provided services to over 3,000 individuals. Services provided by advocates include crisis and emotional counseling, assistance with filing protective orders, and communicating criminal justice case information to victims. Victim advocates also work with local organizations to connect victims with community resources. In 2015 advocates had over 600 contacts with members of the community, referring them to safe houses, providing social service information, or assisting them with compensation claims.

The Office for Victims of Crime of the U.S. Department of Justice encourages widespread participation during the April events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. For additional information about 2016 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, or for resources for victims of crime, please contact the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney at (574) 523-2237, or visit the Office for Victims of Crime website at www.ovc.gov. The helpful links section of this website provides links to many local, state and national websites.

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“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”