FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2014
Contact: Heather F. Williamson
Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
20 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176-2809
(703) 777-0242
Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Victim Witness Program to Recognize Efforts of Law Enforcement and Honor Victims
“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Celebrates Progress.
Works Toward Future Goals”
Loudoun County, Virginia- April 6th through April 12th is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The 2014 theme “30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice” presents a perfect opportunity to celebrate three decades of defending victims’ rights and to honor the outstanding efforts of law enforcement in our community.
Only 30 years ago, crime victims had no rights, access to crime victim compensation, or services to help rebuild their lives. They were often excluded from courtrooms, treated as an afterthought by the criminal justice system, and denied an opportunity to speak at sentencing. Yet through decades of advocacy and hard work, we have come a long way. Today, all states have enacted crime victims’ rights laws and established crime victim compensation funds. Now, more than 10,000 victim service agencies help victims throughout the nation.
During the week, agencies across America will observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Here in Loudoun County, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the Victim Witness Program will be distributing information regarding Crime Victims’ Rights and on Friday, April 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., will host their Annual Open House and Victims’ Services Award Ceremony. The event will be held in the Community Room above the Law Library in the Loudoun County Courthouse, located at 18 East Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Plowman is pleased to announce that this year’s distinguished guest speakers will be Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Brian Moran, and Sharon Love.
Mr. Moran was a county prosecutor in Virginia and served twelve years in the Virginia legislature representing the 46th legislative district prior to be appointed Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. While in the legislature, Mr. Moran served on the Courts of Justice Committee, the Virginia State Crime Commission, the Board of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, and the Secure Virginia Panel. As a legislator he focused on numerous public safety issues and sponsored legislation in the areas of child abuse, domestic violence, drunk driving, drug interdiction and elder abuse. “I’m honored to have Brian join us in Leesburg for this event. He has been on the front lines of public safety for so many years and it’s always great to have a strong advocate in the position he now holds,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Plowman.
Many will recognize Sharon Love as the mother of Yeardley Reynolds Love. On May 3, 2010, Yeardley tragically lost her life to Relationship Violence. As a result of this, Ms. Love helped establish The One Love Foundation in 2010 to honor the memory of Yeardley. The foundation’s mission is to end relationship violence through the use of technology and educational efforts.
The awards ceremony will be open to members of the general public and the media. All are encouraged to join in our celebration and Open House. For additional information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, or crime victim assistance please contact the Loudoun County Victim Witness Program at (703) 777-0417 or the Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the Office for Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/ncvrw.
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