Jason Arrington: National crime victims’ rights week calls us to reflect on victims’ challenges

Recent developments in the alleged sexual abuse case of a retired Roman Catholic priest in Boise are provoking a wide range of reactions – from shock and disgust to compassion for the victims.

For us at Marsy’s Law for Idaho, our interest is ensuring that Idaho’s legal system can provide justice for the victims whose accusations date back decades, and for the children whose lives are forever altered by the pornographic images and videos prosecutors say were in the priest’s possession.

Because our focus is always on the victims, it’s our hope that the alleged criminal behavior does not overshadow the opportunity to better understand and support the victims who have now come forward and bravely shared their stories.

All too often, crime victims – and the struggles they endure in the weeks, years and even decades after – are overlooked. It’s an unfortunate reality of our society and the way we think about crime and the justice system.

Unless you’ve been victimized or are close to someone who has, it’s difficult to fully grasp the victim experience. Most struggle with anxiety, fear of reprisal, uncertainty with their place in the legal process, and even depression and post-traumatic stress.

These hardships underscore the reasons advocates across Idaho and the country dedicate one week each year to raising awareness for those directly impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, drunk driving and other violent crimes.

This year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week runs from April 8-15. The theme is “Expand the Circle; Reach all Victims,” which we view as a call to rededicate more victim inclusion to improve the ways professionals, organizations and communities can collaborate to reach all victims.

This event has been celebrated every April since 1981, when President Ronald Reagan, during the first proclamation ceremony recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, told America “it is time all of us paid greater heed to the plight of victims.”

Here in Idaho, victims – along with spouses, relatives, friends and a coalition of advocates and supporters – will mark the week with candlelight vigils, marches and events to raise public awareness about victims and efforts to provide them with stronger, constitutional rights.

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter is issuing a proclamation honoring victims and urging our leaders and institutions to provide victims more services and support. Mayors from cities big and small are issuing their own proclamations in support of crime victims.

On Monday night, the Idaho Capitol will be bathed in purple light in support of the more than 17,000 individuals impacted by crime each year in Idaho and the millions more nationwide.

For those of us working on behalf of crime victims, it’s an opportunity to renew our commitment to crime victims, their friends and families.

Our hope is that National Crime Victims’ Rights Week gives Idahoans cause to learn more about victims, the impact crime has on individuals, families and communities and the ways to engage in strengthening the policies and rights that help and support victims.