Our responsibility to crime victims

"But I’ll never be a victim of crime! Crime is something that happens to someone else. Crime is certainly a societal problem, but not one that affects me personally."

If these statements were only true. The reality is that most people in America will be a victim of or witness to a crime in their lifetime. Crimes against innocent individuals, community crises and terrorist acts have taught us that a "victim" is not simply "somebody else" but somebody we know and love; and that we are all vulnerable to increasing threats of violence. It has also raised our awareness of our shared values of justice, of equality, and of our right to be free from violence.

April 18-25 marks the 24th commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, first instituted by President Ronald Reagan. We share the opportunity to engage in a local, state and national dialogue about what it means to be a victim of crime, and what it means to effectively identify and address victims’ needs.

The dialogue begins with the voices of victims and survivors. The power of their personal stories — which tell us of pain and suffering and inequality, but also of heroism, healing and inspiring journeys toward justice — drives us to new heights in our efforts to provide comprehensive and supportive services. Crime victims tell us they need to understand their rights and participate in justice processes that will have a profound impact on their futures, and for accountability from those who harmed them.

Our dialogue continues with the voices of those in a position to make a difference. Public policy makers here in Washington and across America have spoken — loudly and clearly — through their passage of laws that define and protect victims’ rights. However, such discussions become empty rhetoric without efforts to take victims’ rights beyond paper to practice.

The voices of our communities are also vital to this national conversation. What is needed is the echo of our collective voices that stand up for our shared values of safety in our homes, peace in our communities, and justice in our nation that includes and involves victims.

We have much to celebrate in the coming week. Washington has an impressive history of commitment to victims of crime, and is recognized across the country for our accomplishments. However, there is much more that can be done. Currently there is no state funding for programs that serve the following crime victims: loved ones of homicide victims, physical assault victims (other than domestic violence and sexual assault), robbery victims, vehicular assault and vehicular homicide victims, and victims of property crimes. Therefore, thousands of Washington citizens don’t have the option of seeking services in their own communities. You have the opportunity this week to help crime victims and the community-based programs that serve them with your tax-deductible donations or through volunteerism.

Our struggles for victims’ rights won’t be over until the values of our forefathers and foremothers over two centuries ago reach fruition — and that we remain vigilant in our efforts to guarantee the same values that offer help and hope to victims of crime: