By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
How would you help? National Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 21-27. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Camila Komarek, the victim advocate with the county attorney's office, read a proclamation in support of the week. This year's theme is, "How Would You Help? Options, Services, and Hope for Crime Survivors."
"This year's theme is a call to action for all of us to create safe environments for crime victims to share what happened to them. By doing so, we are able to offer support options for life-saving services and, most importantly, hope."
The national Office for Victims of Crimes (OVC) was established in 1988 through an amendment to the Victims of Crime Act of 1984. Since then, millions of dollars have been invested annually in victim compensation and assistance in all U.S. states and territories. The Barton County Attorney's Office is one of the local arms providing that assistance.
"The Barton County Attorney's Office, along with community agencies, provides support and helps guide victims throughout the criminal justice process, whether it is immediately following the crime, during the criminal justice process, or after the prosecution has taken place and the case is closed," Komarek said.
The Barton County Attorney's website has frequently asked questions sections that details how witnesses can be compensated for appearing in court, or who is responsible for paying for a sexual assault exam. CLICK HERE for more information.