April 1, 2008
Crime Victims Awareness Day set for April 22
TUMWATER — Rights of crime victims will be highlighted April 22 when the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) hosts the state’s Crime Victims Awareness Day.
This year’s program, “Victims’ Rights: Justice for Victims, Justice for All,” will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at L&I’s headquarters, 7273 Linderson Way S.W. in Tumwater. It occurs in conjunction with the 28th anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 13-19, and is designed to raise awareness of services and support available to crime victims.
This year’s speakers include:
- Detectives Rachael Gardner and Kim Holmes from the Washington State Patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force.
- Rani Hong of The Tronie Foundation, speaking on “Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery.”
- Wayne Smith from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office on the role of advocates and how they help victims.
- Matt Survis from the Northwest Martial Arts Fitness Center, providing a self-defense demonstration.
L&I Director Judy Schurke will make opening remarks. Also speaking will be Cletus Nnanabu, manager of the Crime Victims Compensation Program.
Though registration isn’t required, those planning to attend are asked to contact L&I by e-mail or by calling 360-902-5341.
L&I’s Crime Victims Compensation Program receives nearly 7,000 requests a year for assistance, with the largest categories being rape and domestic assault. Nearly 70 percent of victims are women and children.
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For media information: Xenofon Moniodis, L&I, 360-902-6458, or monx235@Lni.wa.gov, or visit the L&I News and Media Center at www.Lni.wa.gov/News.
