In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a special ceremony was held Wednesday in Judge Frank Ardis’ courtroom.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed April 6-12, and the theme this year is “30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice.” It was 30 years ago that the Victims of Crime Act was passed by Congress, and “changed the way services were provided for crime victims,” stated Jeanne Pitzer, Richland County Prosecutor’s Victim Assistance Director.
Kimberly Williams, survivor of child abuse and domestic violence, attested to the changes she has witnessed from the passage of the Victims of Crime Act, noting, “Back then we couldn’t talk about [criminal acts]; we were too afraid…now if you call Children Services or if you call the Domestic Violence Shelter or the police, they’re going to be there, and they’re going to help you.”
Williams shared her heart-wrenching story of years of abuse she suffered from her stepfather, who frequently abused Williams, her brother, and her mother, and later killed both her mother and grandmother.
She advised, “If you’re in a situation where you need help, call for help, talk to somebody, and if you’re the one that they’re talking to, do something, don’t just sit back.”
In spite of the suffering she endured,” Williams stated, “I am no longer a victim. I believe that you don’t have to let your past run or determine your future. With God everything is possible.”
Attendees then heard from Derrell Hall, who described the tragic story of his son’s murder.
Katherine Ezawa, Director of the Domestic Violence Shelter, praised both Williams and Hall for their courage in sharing their stories and said, “We are here today because of folks like you.”
Afterwards, members of the judicial system shared their perspective to the audience.
Mansfield Municipal Court Judge Frank Ardis stated that from his years of experience in the court system, he has noticed a “common thread” with most of the crimes that occur within the country, especially Richland County. “All of it goes back to excessive use of alcohol, improper use of drugs, mental health issues, and education,” he said.
Law Director John Spon recommended that if one witnesses suspicious criminal activity, he or she should report it to local law enforcement agencies, “Because I’m certain that some of these circumstances, these tragedies, can be avoided,” he said.
He added, “The real message…is to beckon, to request, to unction, to urge to plead for the tears that are salted by the victims who have experienced solemn troubles so that collectively, as a society, as a neighbor, as a relative, we can step in and bring in the right people to save innocent victims, to save what would be a perpetrator, and to save for ourselves the true value of life because we believe life is created by our Maker, while we pass through ourselves with hope in the future.”
Having spent 20 years in the prosecutor’s office, Richland County Common Pleas Court Judge Brent Robinson said that the opinions held by victims of criminal acts are very significant to him when making decisions with each case.
“I think that the victim’s input is extremely important and they need to be heard…that’s my pledge–I will continue to take what the victim wants into high consideration in any sentencing I do,” Robinson stated.
On a final note, Judge James DeWeese thanked the victim assistance community for helping the victims to share their stories. “All these things that the victims’ assistance people do to help these people tell their story make it possible to do justice,” he said.
“If you’re in a situation where you need help, call for help, talk to somebody, and if you’re the one that they’re talking to, do something, don’t just sit back,” said Kimberly Williams.
