Officials Look to Empower Victims

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By Alden Downing

Story Published: Apr 14, 2008 at 7:42 PM MST

Story Updated: Apr 14, 2008 at 7:42 PM MST

HELENA - Healing makes our criminal justice system work. That from state corrections and victim advocacy groups Monday as they kick of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

It was a look ahead for criminal justice officials highlighting the ways in which state government helps empower victims of all crimes. They say it's incumbent on all members of society to protect themselves and each other from the damage crime has on everyone.

"Domestic violence, sexual assault, child neglect, elderly abuse, drug addiction, they all destroy lives," said Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath. "They undermine families, and they eat away at the foundations of our communities."

Montana offers victims' rights programs that run the gamut. Assistance to children who come from abusive or drug addicted homes to those who's identity has been stolen and even those who want to confront the criminal who victimized them.

"Victims want their physical as well as emotional wounds healed," Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger said. "And they want their property restored, they want offenders held accountable for the crimes that they committed, and they want to take part in this process that holds these individuals responsible." Justice for all is only served, Bohlinger added, if it is served for the victims.

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