Rep. Butler Honors Crime Victims Awareness Week

COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Butler (R-Oakwood) today presented a resolution to Cathy Harper Lee from the Ohio Crime Victims Justice Center and April Wheeler, an attorney for Disability Rights Ohio, in recognition of Crime Victims Awareness Week, which will take place April 2-8, 2017.

Americans are victims of more than 20 million crimes each year, which affect individuals of all races and socio-economic backgrounds and have long-lasting repercussions for victims, families, and communities.

“Unfortunately, innocent victims of crime can continue to suffer for months or years after the crime occurred because our system sometimes prioritizes the rights of the accused over that of the victim,” said Rep. Butler.  “I am pleased to offer this resolution today to raise awareness of crime victims' rights and will continue to work in this chamber to make sure that care, protection, and assistance are available to innocent victims of crime when they need it.”

The Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center seeks to protect the rights of Ohio’s state and federal crime victims. On April 4th, during Crime Victims Awareness Week, the center is hosting an awards celebration called Models of Justice, honoring those who have made a significant contribution to protecting and advancing the rights of crime victims. Information about the event can be found at www.ocvjc.org/OCVJCEvents.