Victims’ Rights Week
This week is Victims' Rights Week.
The Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney normally holds events each year during this time in recognition of victims' rights. Although we cannot hold in-person events this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to share some information from the Victim/Witness Counselors in our Office:
“In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims' Rights Week to acknowledge the abuse and trauma that victims of crimes often experience, and to recognize the tireless work of dedicated advocates who have taken up the cause of supporting crime victims across our country.” See whitehouse.gov.
The Prosecutors and Victim/Witness Counselors in our Office continue to work with victims in criminal cases. We often come into a victim’s life when they are at their most vulnerable. We see firsthand how the effects of crime and the trauma incurred by victims often last well beyond the day of the incident—for many it lasts a lifetime.
Now, we are seeing offenders who were given due process and properly sentenced being released early despite our Office's objections. We are also seeing offenders being released only to commit another crime shortly after release. It can be an especially anxious time for victims of crime. It is important during these times that we remember to keep the victims in mind and ensure that justice is being served.