Madison County Attorney, Winterset Mayor and victims of crime join with Iowa Attorney General in National Crime Victims’ Rights Week event in Winterset

 (WINTERSET) Madison County Attorney Matt Schultz will join Winterset Mayor Jim Olson, local victims of crime and crime victim assistance advocates, along with Attorney General Tom Miller, on Monday, April 20^th at 12:00 p.m., at the Madison County Courthouse, 112 N. John Wayne Drive, Winterset, Iowa, to commemorate this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  The April 20th event, which includes remarks from invited speakers and a mayor’s proclamation, culminates with community members hanging ribbons on light posts around the Madison County Courthouse square to honor local victims of crime.

“Prosecuting criminals is a crucial part of our justice system,” Schultz said. “But so, too, is ensuring that we treat victims of crime and survivors with dignity and respect,” Schultz added. “During this week we also recognize the outstanding efforts of those who serve our community’s crime victims.”

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed each year as a time to pay tribute to crime victims and survivors of homicide who, for many decades, have joined together in mutual support and advocacy to promote victims’ rights and services. The observance also honors those who advocate on behalf of crime victims.

“Our number one priority in government is protecting our citizens and our communities,” Miller said. “We seek justice on behalf of victims of crime across the state, and it’s important to recognize crime victims as well as the professionals and volunteers who offer support services.”

 Schedule of Events

Date: Monday, April 20

12:00    National Crime Victim’ Rights Week event at the Madison County Courthouse, including remarks by Attorney General Tom Miller, Madison County Attorney Matt Schultz, victims of crime from Madison County, and Winterset Mayor Jim Olson

12:35    Courthouse square light post ribbon hanging to honor victims of crime in Madison County

Services for Madison County Victims of Crime

The Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center (CIAC) of Adel, which serves Madison County, provides services ranging from crisis intervention counseling, legal, medical and/or personal advocacy, safe shelter and safety planning, transitional and emergency housing, community education and outreach. CIAC staff and volunteers will travel to meet victims in order to accommodate their needs.

To contact CIAC, call (515) 993-4095 or (800) 400-4884.

The Office of the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Assistance Division (CVAD) provides services and financial support to crime victims and victim service providers throughout Iowa. The division administers programs that directly benefit victims of crime, including those that assist victims with the financial burden resulting from injuries of crime, that assist local crime victim service programs, and that assist the criminal justice system in holding offenders responsible for the effects of their crimes.

For more information on the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, go to www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.gov and click “For Crime Victims,” or call 800-373-5044.

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