Community-Oriented Activities Are Scheduled During The Week To Raise Awareness About The Rights Of Victims And The Services Available In Ulster County
Kingston, NY - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein proclaimed the week of April 2nd Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Ulster County to raise awareness about the rights of victims and highlight the many services and resources available throughout the County. Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a national campaign led by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) that promotes victims’ rights, and honors crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme is “Strength, Resilience, Justice” which focuses on “a vision of the future where victims are strengthened by the response they receive, organizations are resilient in response to challenges and communities are able to seek collective justice and healing.”
Michael P. Hein, County Executive
“Ulster County is committed to making sure that victims of crime have access to services to help and support them,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “No victim should have to go through the healing process feeling alone and it is important that they know there is a place they can immediately turn to for help and compassion. The Ulster County Crime Victims’ Assistance Program is committed to helping victims receive the services they need, whether it is helping navigate the judicial system, creating a support system, or most importantly, recovering from a potentially life-altering incident. The dedication of our Crime Victims Assistance Program and County Judicial System, as well as the many local organizations that work together tirelessly to help victims of crime and provide hope and recovery, are invaluable during emotional and trying times for victims and their families. Although we hope that there comes a day when there are no victims of crime, this week is a small way we can highlight the many services available in Ulster County and remind people that help is available. ”
D. Holley Carnright, Ulster County District Attorney
“We are fortunate in Ulster County to have many services available for victims of crime and their families. The prosecution of an individual charged with a crime is only one facet of the justice system and all too often victims feel alone and helpless,” said Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright. “I appreciate the Ulster County Crime Victims’ Assistance Program and County Executive Hein for highlighting Crime Victims’ Rights Week. It is so important that people know there is help and support readily available at any time.”
Melanie Mullins, Director, Department of Probation
“The Ulster County Crime Victims’ Assistance Program and its collaborative partners have been providing assistance and support to thousands of victims and their families for over thirty years,” said Melanie Mullins, Director of the Ulster County Department of Probation. “The essential services they provide to victims and their families are critical. I appreciate their efforts in arranging for the activities to be held during the week to raise awareness, as well as the ongoing support of County Executive Hein.”
Sharon Lyons, Sr. Crime Victim Counselor
“Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an opportunity to highlight the many services and resources available to victims of crime, whether it is through Ulster County government, local service providers, or by means of partnering with community-based organizations,” said Sharon Lyons, Sr. Crime Victim Counselor. “There are so many caring volunteers who are standing by to respond to a hotline call, as well as staff members who can advocate for victims in court or provide them with support whether or not they decide to press charges. Our office together with County Executive Hein, realize the importance of making sure Ulster County residents are informed and know where they can turn in the event they become a victim of crime. I urge residents to attend one or more of the events being held during the week.”
Calendar of Events for Crime Victims’ Rights Week:
April 3rd:
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Resource Fair & Kids Craft Corner at Water Street Market 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. (10 Main St. #501, New Paltz)
- Walk A Mile In Their Shoes at Water Street Market & the Rail Trail 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. (10 Main St. #501, New Paltz)
April 5th:
- Movie Screening “The Children Next Door” at Kiwanis Ice Arena 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (6 Small World Ave., Saugerties)
April 6th:
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Young Adult Job Fair at Kingston Center SUNY Ulster 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (94 Mary’s Avenue, Kingston)
- Trauma Informed Yoga with Tara Sanders at Old Dutch Church 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (272 Wall St., Kingston)
Details and updates regarding the activities can also be viewed by visiting the following website and Facebook pages: http://ulstercountyny.gov and www.facebook.com/uccvap.
Some of the free services available to victims of crime in Ulster County include a 24 hour hotline; crisis counseling; advocacy, accompaniment and support with hospitals, law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney's office; criminal justice information; referrals to appropriate outside agencies; and assistance in preparing Victim Impact Statements. In addition, the Ulster County Crime Victims’ Assistance Program is the New York State Department of Health certified rape crisis program in Ulster County. This allows for confidential services to victims of sexual assault including accompaniment and advocacy to hospitals as well as support groups. The CVAP Hotline is 845-340-3442 and additional information can be found at http://ulstercountyny.gov/probation/crime-victim-assistance. See Calendar of Events below.
