The Refuge Recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Courtesy of The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter and Sexual Assault Center
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) was observed April 21–27, 2024. The theme for this year’s week of advocacy for victims was, "How would you help?: Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.”
On Wednesday, April 24, (e Refuge Domes tic Violence Shelter and Sexual Assault Center held a luncheon at The Dahlia Event Center in Vidalia to mark National Crime Victims' Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Dahlia was decorated with teal-colored balloons and ribbons for Sexual Assault Awareness and purple balloons and ribbons for Crime Victims’ Awareness. There were about 150 people in attendance, many of whom were law enforcement personnel, hospital staff, victim service providers, city officials, and business leaders. As the attendees ate a delicious lunch, Betty Dell Williams, Executive Director of (e Refuge, welcomed everyone and recognized the different groups in attendance who serve victims of crime. Williams spoke on the 2024 theme that asks all of us—friends, family members, churches, colleagues, community leaders, victim service providers, law enforcement, and health professionals— how we can help crime victims. Are you prepared if someone discloses to you about a victimization? Are you familiar with the services available in your community?
A special recognition and award were given to Representative Leesa Hagan for the great work she does for House District 156. Williams introduced District Attorney Tripp Fitzner, who spoke about the importance of caring for victims and obtaining justice for them. He shared about the first case that made him passionate about his work. In that case, the victim was a baby who had been burned and passed away from those injuries. He has not stopped -ghting for justice since. Next, Rep – resentative Leesa Hagan introduced Representative Karen Lupton, who shared her story of being a survivor of sexual assault and the importance of victim service agencies. To welcome Representative Lupton to our Sweet City, she was presented with a beautiful pewter onion platter and a bag of Sweet Vidalia onions Heather Williams, the Refuge Sexual Assault Coordinator, spoke about Jeans for Justice. Members of (e Refuge sta wore jeans as a reminder of the Italian court case in which a woman who had been sexually assaulted and raped was blamed for her assault because she was wearing jeans. The court ruled that she had to have been involved in the act because it was not possible for the man to remove her jeans without her assistance. In memory of that injustice, women around the world wear jeans to honor that victim. Rita NeeSmith of (e Sunshine House then shared about the work they do for children who have been victimized by crime and the services they provide. The event ended with a beautiful song by Carmela Williams and with all in attendance having been inspired to continue working to ensure all victims of crime are heard and receive justice.
SUPPORT FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – State Representatives Karen Lupton (left) and Leesa Hagan (right) attended the event, as Lupton shared her own survival of sexual assault, and emphasized the importance of victim service agencies.
