Q: What is Victims’ Rights Week?
A: Since Sept. 11, a sharpened concern for public safety and the security of family and friends understandably has swept across the country. The criminal terrorist attacks committed with hi-jacked commercial airliners gave rise to increased fears and paranoia among many Americans regarding their own personal safety and their loved ones. But even long before the tragic events of Sept. 11, curbing violence and crime in our society ranked high on the minds of the American public and policymakers at the local, state and federal levels of government. From police officers on local patrol to federal agents on duty across the country, Americans appreciate and expect the protection and security that law enforcement can provide. Unfortunately, innocent Americans every year fall victim to violence and other crimes. Regrettably, it’s impossible to prevent every wrongdoer from breaking the law in the first place. That’s why our society also heavily relies on its criminal and civil justice system to find peace of mind and prevent the convicted from ever again committing heinous crimes against humanity. The U.S. Justice Department in partnership with the National Center for Victims of Crime this year commemorate the 22nd annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 21-27 to highlight resources, support services and restitution available to crime victims and their survivors. From child and elder abuse, to property crimes, identity theft, and domestic, workplace and school violence, the United States is home to millions of crime victims every year. Society owes a debt of gratitude to the folks who help crime victims heal and rebuild their lives after devastating circumstances. National Crime Victims’ Week also gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to the heroes who are there to help victims recover and move on with their lives.
Q: What needs to be done to improve the rights of crime victims?
A: While the U.S. Constitution spells out rights for the accused, it falls short on enumerating the rights of the victim. As a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, this is a shortcoming I support seeing corrected by a Constitutional amendment. A bipartisan team of legislators in the U.S. Senate continues to build support to set a minimum national standard that would provide Constitutional guarantees for Americans victimized by violence. President Bush became the first sitting president to lend his support for such Constitutional protection. For instance, crime victims ought to have the opportunity and fundamental right to participate in the criminal justice process, stay informed about the offender, attend criminal court proceedings and speak at sentencing. In the last 30 years, many states including Iowa have embraced the movement to enact victims’ rights. Earlier this month, I announced a $1 million federal grant award to Iowa to help victims pay for necessary crime-related expenses such as medical bills, mental health counseling, funeral and burial costs, and lost wages. The federal victims compensation program comes from fines paid by federal criminal offenders, not taxpayers. In March, I announced $4 million was awarded to Iowa for its Crime Victims Assistance programs that support community-based organizations including domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers and child abuse programs. Iowans interested in learning more about the victim’s compensation fund may visit http://www.state.ia.us/government/ag/vca.html or call 1-800-373-5044.