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Chicago Suburb Makes Effort to Educate On Crime Victim Rights

REUTERS/Timothy McLaughlin

Allison Thibault Contributor
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The Naperville Police Department, along with the FBI, plans to host a 4 hour informational and educational program focusing on the rights of crime victims.  Naperville in the FBI were first in contact about the event a year ago, after  a victim advocate proposed the idea.  The event is set for 10 a.m. on April 5th at the North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall

There have already been 655 shooting crime victims in 2017 and there were 4,386 shooting victims in 2016.  Victims of any kind of crime are encourage to attend.

The fair aims to inform and educate crime victims about their rights and services available for them, says Jamie Horner, a Naperville police social worker. The fair will be open to victims of all types of crime and feature representative of local and nation organizations.  Among the representatives present are the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, victim service units, and child advocacy centers.

Police Chief Robert Marshall of Naperville calls the fair “an important initiative, because we want victims to know that they are not alone, especially in this community”.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Anderson added his agency “is dedicated to providing services to ensure, and given the assistance to help cope with the impact”.

The fair is being held during Crime Victim’s Right’s Week, which according to Horner is designed to promote public awareness about the challenges faced by crime victims, and the laws, policies, and programs available to them.

Tags : fbi
Allison Thibault