Missouri Department of Public Safety News Release

JEREMIAH W. (JAY) NIXON, GOVERNOR

Contact:

JERRY LEE, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY

News Release ID: N01120004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JEFFERSON CITY

April 25, 2012

National Crime Victims' Rights Week celebrates 20th anniversary of major advancement in victims' rights in Missouri

Ceremony is scheduled to recognize Missouri crime victims and their families and state's commitment to advance victims' rights and protections

As Missouri observes National Crime Victims' Rights Week from April 22-28, victim advocates will mark the 20th anniversary of the ratification of Missouri's Crime Victims' Bill of Rights. The Nov. 3, 1992, ratification by state voters made Missouri the eighth state to approve a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing victims' rights, which included the right to be present at criminal justice proceedings at which the defendant has such a right, the right to be informed of hearings involving the defendant and the right to restitution.

"It is important for us to recognize and remember the tireless work that crime victims and victim advocates did to advance victims' rights in our state," Gov. Jay Nixon said. "These pioneers led the way to important changes that ensure that victims are treated with dignity and respect by the criminal justice system and that they are constantly informed about their cases. One of the greatest tributes to those who led the way is to continue to advance victims' rights and the resources available to them as we go forward.”

"We remain committed to providing crime victims not only a voice, and the rights that they are guaranteed, but the services and resources that they deserve," Department of Public Safety Director Jerry Lee said.

The state constitutional amendment concerning approved in 1992, known as the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights, can be found in Article 1, Section 32, of the Missouri Constitution.

This year's National Crime Victims' Rights Week theme—Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim—encourages those involved in the criminal justice system to continue to make advancements toward victims' rights, covering every victim that crime impacts.

A ceremony in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week will be held at noon on April 26 on the south steps of the Missouri Capitol. Victims will be represented by guest speaker Amy Hall, who will share her personal story.


Victims' programs in Missouri include the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund, which reimburses the many out-of pocket expenses that victims and their families face in the aftermath of a crime. It also helps fund assistance programs that support victims by providing physical and emotional care and guidance in navigating the criminal justice system. Additionally, since 1993 Missouri has received more than $130 million in federal Victims of Crime Act grants and has helped provide services to more than 1 million Missouri victims of crime.

The Missouri Victim Automated Notification System (MoVANS) allows all Missouri crime victims to get automatic e-mails or phone calls any time an offender is scheduled to be released from prison or jail, or have a parole or court hearing. It also allows anyone to receive an automatic notification any time an order of protection has been served in their case. To learn more about MoVANS, including its other features, and to register for the service, go to: http://www.dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/cvsu/movans.asp.
 
The following agencies and organizations donated their time and effort to make this year's Crime Victims' Rights Week ceremony and awareness events successes: Missouri Attorney General's Office, Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Missouri Department of Corrections, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Missouri Department of Public Safety—Crime Victims' Compensation Program, Missouri Department of Public Safety—Crime Victim Services Unit, Missouri Department of Social Services—Youth Services Division, Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, Missouri Secretary of State's Office—Safe at Home, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

For more information, call (573) 751-4819 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov