Rockland County Launches National Crime Victims' Rights Week

On Thursday, April 7, 2011 Rockland Family Shelter (RFS) and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office is sponsoring the showing of Telling Amy’s Story,  narrated by Detective Deirdre Fishel.  Detective Fishel (of the Pennsylvania State College Police Department’s Victim Centered Intensive Case Management Unit), will be present to discuss the case and to answer questions. The program is from 8:30 to 10:30 AM in the auditorium of Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY. The Hospital will provide a continental breakfast. A question and answer period follows the film as does an opportunity to tour Rockland’s new Special Victims’ Center.

Telling Amy’s Story follows the timeline of a domestic violence homicide. The victim’s parents and co-workers, law enforcement officers, and court personnel share their perspectives on what happened to Amy in the weeks, months, and years leading up to her murder. While the ending to Amy’ story can never be changed, the filmmakers’ intentions were to change outcomes for the millions of victims, survivors, and loved ones affected by domestic violence every day. In New York City alone the New York City Police Department reports receiving an average of 700 calls per day related to domestic violence.

RFS and the Rockland District Attorney’s Office are presenting this powerful and important film to launch the observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week beginning on April 10, 2011. The program is co-sponsored by the STOP F.E.A.R. Coalition, VCS, Inc. Good Samaritan Hospital part of the Bon Secours Charity Health System, Orange & Rockland, Verizon & Liz Claiborne  Inc.           

Since its inception in 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has challenged our country to reshape the future of crime victims by seeking rights, protections, and resources to enable  survivors to rebuild strong healthy lives.

“Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past” captures the spirit and mission of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week,” said J. E. Frost, acting director of the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. “The past that we honor points to a future when all victims are respected, the laws to protect them are enforced, and the resources they need are in place and accessible to them. Justice demands no less.”

For additional information about how to obtain help for victims of violent crimes in your community, please contact Rockland Family Shelter at (845) 634 3344 (24 Hour Hotline) or the TTY 845 634 3119 Monday to Friday 9AM-5PM  (845) 623 2578 and 5PM to  9AM week nights and all weekends. For more ideas on how to volunteer, or to make a donation please go to www.rocklandfamilyshelter.org.

#                                             #                               #

If you or someone you know is being abused we care and can help. You are not alone call the 24 hour hotline at 845 634 3344