“Justice isn’t served until victims are.”

Last week was National Crime Victims’ Rights Week where crime victims, survivors and those who serve them joined together across America to promote victims’ rights and services.

The goal was to educate communities about the devastating impact of crime on victims, neighborhoods, schools and our nation as a whole. It also recognized the ongoing efforts of countless victim service providers, justice professionals, allied professionals and volunteers who selflessly dedicate their lives to helping victims of crime.

There’s no way around it: Being a victim of crime is everyone’s worst nightmare. In my position as solicitor general, I am constantly reminded of how crime impacts individuals on a very personal basis.

Every day my office prosecutes crimes against individuals such as domestic violence and DUI. These two types of cases together account for the vast majority of services offered through my victim assistance program.

The national statistics show that our community is not unique. In 2004 alone, 39 percent of all traffic fatalities involved alcohol use. Many of those killed were just innocent bystanders. I am reminded of this fact every time someone describes DUI as a victimless crime.

The statistics on domestic violence are even more shocking. An act of violence occurs every 18 seconds in this country. A woman is abused every 9 seconds. Children are present during 80 percent of the assaults against their mothers and 3 million children witness domestic violence each year. Children who witness violence in the home learn that violence is the answer and these children are 1,000 times more likely to abuse as adults.

Unfortunately, Fayette County is not free from violence. What is fortunate, however, is that our community is one where victims feel safe in reporting crime and know that they will receive help and support.

In our area, long-standing partnerships are committed to offering services to victims of crime. Through the conscious collaboration and diligence of our police officers, prosecutors and local victims’ service providers we continue to provide the highest quality of service to victims.

For additional information about crime victim assistance, or volunteer opportunities, contact the office of the solicitor general (770-716-4260) or on the Web at www.fayettecountyga.gov, and then click on “solicitor-general.”

While we celebrated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week last week, it is important that we not let our efforts be confined to those seven days. Let us remember throughout the year that by helping victims of crime we can help make Fayette County, the state of Georgia, and our nation stronger and safer. By serving crime victims, we are truly serving justice.

James K. Inagawa, solicitor-general
Fayette County State Court
Fayetteville, Ga.

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