Ceremony at Missouri capitol recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) – It’s Nationwide Crime Victims’ Rights Week, an observance throughout which individuals acknowledge the rights of victims of crime and advocate for issues they undergo.

A ceremony was held Thursday on the Missouri Capitol in recognition of the week. Folks from throughout Missouri, together with Springfield, gathered for the ceremony.

Janice Gehre, a survivor of home violence, spoke on the occasion.

”After going by way of it myself, I actually realized that there have been a variety of issues and obstacles, what I assumed could be the trail to flee, and a freedom to security was under no circumstances what I assumed it was,” stated Gehre.

Her ex-husband is serving time for a capturing in 2016.

“That basically thrust us ahead right into a course of the place our lives had been really at risk. If he was not held accountable for these actions, all of our lives had been in grave hazard,” stated Gehre.

She says Nationwide Crime Victims’ Rights Week lets survivors know they aren’t alone.

”It’s calling, and reminding everyone of all of the issues that we’re nonetheless combating for. When victims are in a position to come and share their tales, it actually brings it dwelling for thus many individuals to know that it’s not as simple as most people assumes,” stated Gehre.

Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson was additionally amongst those that spoke on the occasion.

”It’s one of many issues that’s vital to recollect ,and this occasion reminds us each sufferer is completely different. So that they’re all affected by the crime in several methods. And so crucial lesson, I feel, is first to pay attention,” stated Patterson.

He says the will for public service is what drove him to be a prosecutor.

”I grew to become a prosecutor as a result of I’ve all the time been pushed in the direction of public service. As a prosecutor, our cost is completely different from every other legal professional. We don’t zealously symbolize a single shopper, however our job is to hunt justice,” stated Patterson.

For these out their struggling, have hope.

”There’s hope, It’s arduous. And this isn’t due to something you might have performed or not performed. That is any individual else’s option to hurt you,” stated Gehre.

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