Representatives from local law enforcement, the District Attorney’s office, and victims and their families gathered in front of the St. Clair County Courthouse in Ashville on Tuesday, April 9 to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. 

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 7-13 and is an annual commemoration that promotes victims’ rights and services. The week is marked by an award ceremonies held in cities throughout the U.S. in which individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims and victim services are recognized, along with the victims themselves. 

“Each victim has their own story,” said Carol Boone, St. Clair County Assistant District Attorney. “We are here to recognize, remember and support them. We are here to speak for them when they cannot, and give them a voice when they can.”

Every year, people are the victims of crime, whether it is violent crime that involves assault and death, or property crime. In St. Clair County, the violent crime rate is 20.7 per 1000 and the property crime rate is 36.9 per 1000 residents., according to bestplaces.net.

Violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

Property crime includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of the theft-type offenses is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims. 

“I don’t know what you have been through,” said St. Clair County District Attorney Lyle Harmon, “but I see it in your face, I hear it in your voice, I see it in your tears.  So often in court, seems to be about the defendant. We want to make it about you and justice. The rights [for defendants] we uphold doesn’t change the feeling we have as victims.”

Area law enforcement, representatives from the District Attorney’s office, victims’ rights advocates, and those working in the circuit court were recognized for their support of victims.

One of those victims, Jody Owens, spoke to the crowd gathered. 

“I was the victim of a brutal assault. It changed my life in every way,” said Owens. “But you have to honor yourself, accept help from all of those around you. There’s no easy way through it. I want to honor all of you that came here that have been through it or helped others.”

“It’s a very personal decision that no one can make for you,” Owens addressed the victims and their families in the crowd. “It’s a tough thing to decide to pursue justice. These people believe in you and will fight for you. You are in no better hands than in St. Clair County.”