VENTURA — Some wept while others sat quietly, remembering the violent crimes they or their loved ones had endured.
More than 100 women, men and children who have fought to regain control of their lives gathered at the Ventura County Courthouse to observe National Victims' Rights Week on Wednesday. In the backdrop were 600 cardboard silhouettes--each representing 19 of the 11,155 people the county Victim Services Division helped in 1996.
"Crime victims now have the right to be present, heard and informed throughout the criminal justice process," said Debbie O'Neill, director of the Victim Services Division, an offshoot of the district attorney's office. Duties of the division's advocates include accompanying victims to court, referring them to counselors, and even assisting with burial arrangements.
O'Neill told the crowd, including survivors of domestic violence, rape or assault and relatives of murder victims, that they were part of a nationwide observance. About 8,000 similar events were held in the United States.
"One violent crime is committed every 18 seconds, one woman is battered every 15 seconds, . . . six children are abused every minute and three children die each day from abuse or neglect," said Kevin McGee, chief assistant district attorney. "Crime statistics in our country are staggering and frightening. . . . We've gathered to show a commitment to fighting crime in our community."
McGee presented awards to individuals and organizations for exceptional commitment and sensitivity to crime victims' needs in the county, including Henry McGrath, from the California Youth Authority's Ventura School, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Anthony Viaropulos, Sgt. Dave Williams with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department Major Crimes Division, and the Ventura County Elder Abuse Council.
O'Neill then returned the focus to those in the crowd.
"You are the faces that make the ones on the cardboard real--you were victims and you became survivors," O'Neill said before everyone engaged in a symbolic walk around the government center. "I thank you for facing a criminal justice system that is not victim-friendly."
Surrounded by children and grandchildren, the mother of 18-year-old slaying victim Gloria De la Cruz of Oxnard said through tears: "My daughter was murdered one year ago next Wednesday, April 23. I'm here to support victims like myself."
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