This week (April 19-25) is National Crime Victims Rights Week. This week is used to bring attention to victims rights and services and to also acknowledge the strides that victim advocates have made and are continuing to make. The theme of this week changes by the year, and this year the theme is “Seek justice, Ensure Victims Rights, Inspire Hope.”
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is one of the first state police agencies to have a program that employs victim advocates. These advocates provide useful services to the state by providing support to victims across the state!
The program that the KSP launched is called Victim Advocate Support Services (VASS). The advocates that are involved in this program help victims receive mental health services and legal support. These same advocates also act as a bridge between the victim and law enforcement. Situations involving crime are often traumatic for the victim, so the advocates helping on both fronts is important.
According to the Kentucky State Police Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, This program is crucial in the hours that follow a crime because it helps to start the healing process and helps victims find funds to get the case resolved.
If you or a loved one needs help after a crime has been committed, do not be afraid to contact the VASS Program. There are Victim Advocates posted throughout the state and you can contact them here: http://kentuckystatepolice.org/post-locations/.
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