By Kristi Butler
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 6-12 this year and this year’s theme is “30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice”. For those who are not aware, this week is meant for all victim advocacy agencies to call attention to the crime victims they serve. We do this as a means to celebrate their courage while giving respect to their privacy.
At Turning Point, we choose to acknowledge victims by displaying our portion of the national Clothesline Project on our front lawn. This is t-shirt artwork done by our residents and their children to show others not only the pain they endured but also their subsequent survival. The art displayed may also serve as a warning to someone currently involved in a domestic violence relationship. Along with this article, Turning Point will have information on their website as well as Facebook and Twitter regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2014.
In addition to our agency, there are advocates who work in county prosecutor’s offices, local mental health agencies, law enforcement, and other non-profits. They work continuously to give help to those who may feel helpless. Advocates also work with fellow agencies and the Ohio Attorney General’s office to provide resources that allow victims to return to a “new normal”.
We appreciate every person who has come forward to share their story with us. We note the bravery that each victim must assert in writing their victim impact statements, attending court hearings, and facing the people who hurt them deeply.
Turning Point offers a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help or if you would like more information, please call (800) 232-6505 or (740) 382-8988 or check out our website at www.turningpoint6.org.
Turning Point is a non-profit agency. Funding comes for a variety of sources including the United Way and the Delaware/Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.