MANSFIELD — April 6 to 12 is recognized as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week across the United States.
On Tuesday, Richland County Prosecutor Jodie Schumacher and Kayla Cash, director of the Victim Services Division, accepted a proclamation recognizing the awareness week from the Richland County Board of Commissioners.
The Victim Services Division provides several forms of assistance to crime victims, including notifications to victim(s) regarding their case, accompanying victims to court and explaining court procedures, according to the prosecutor’s website.
Other services offered include:
- Informing and updating victims on case status.
- Providing emergency transportation to court.
- Connecting victims with the Ohio Victim Compensation Program.
- Providing referral information for health, safety and/or counseling issues.
Victims who are in need of help and in imminent danger are encouraged to call 9-1-1. A 24-hour domestic violence crisis line can also be contacted at (800)-931-7233.
Schumacher said it’s important to make the general population aware of victims and their rights.
“With that, the prosecutor’s office wanted to extend our appreciation and thanks to the commissioners for recognizing crime victims within our county during the course of this week,” Schumacher said Tuesday.
Under Ohio law, a victim of crime has the right to:
According to the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office and under Ohio law, crime victims have the right to…
- Be notified of information regarding a case.
- Attend any hearing where the defendant or juvenile offender is present.
- Be free of punitive action by an employer for attendance at or preparation for court hearings.
- Ask the prosecutor to seek an order of restitution for financial loss or damage as a result of the crime.
- Make a written statement to be presented to the court for consideration prior to sentencing.
- Appear at a defendant’s sentencing and give an oral impact statement to the court at that time.
The timing of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week coincides with Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
From 6 to 8 p.m. on April 29, the prosecutor’s office will host Take Back the Night to recognize survivors in the community, Schumacher said.
The free event takes place at Riedl Hall on The Ohio State University at Mansfield campus and will include guest speakers, a walk of honor, a candlelight vigil and a resource fair with various community resources.
“Thank you for all you do and representing victims,” said Commissioner Tony Vero.
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