Local organization marks National Crime Victim’s Rights Week

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — One of the toughest things to ever deal with is being the victim of a crime and not knowing how to find the services you need for support.

This is National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. News10NBC spoke with one local organization that’s dedicated to helping crime victims get the support and attention they need.

We talked to the Coalition For Crime Victims of Monroe County which partners with several local agencies that enforce victim’s rights, and survivor-led services.

"The victims are, you know they’re going through this experience and the traumatic experience, and you know they’re important," said Kaitlin Karlsen, Chairwoman of the Coalition of Crime Victims of Monroe County.

The last week of April is known as National Crime Victim’s Rights Week, and this year’s theme is "Right, Access, Equity For All Victims." It’s a way to provide opportunities to enhance their outreach to undeserved victims. Karlsen says often times criminals make the headlines, but their victims get lost in the shuffle.

"It’s really important to recognize what they went through, and to know that, and to hear about their experience, and to know that they have a voice as well," Karlsen said.

She says the local coalition is made of several different agencies such as Willow, Bright Star, Lifespan, Soar and Bivona.

"In terms of services, and what not we’re certainly here, and we want people to know that, but sometimes victims feel like they can’t reach out. They feel embarrassed, or you know there can be multiple different things or fear they don’t know where to turn to," Karlsen said.

Through the coalition victims of crime can find the support they need.

"We do have a Facebook page, Coalition For Crime Victims of Monroe County where people can go and get some information in terms of our resources, and what agencies are involved. So like I said it can be a one-stop-shop for people," Karlsen said.

Remember, victims of crime services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Click here for resources.