Victim Allies Project
Date: Sat, Jun. 13, 2009
June 12, 2009
This weekend, we take a major step toward implementation of the Victim Allies Project, a victim-advocacy effort that SilenceIsViolence has been developing in partnership with Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans and V.O.T.E. (Voice of the Ex-Offender). The Victim Allies Project pairs volunteers with family members of homicide victims to help navigate the criminal justice system. We believe that fostering respect for the rights and needs of victims can help strengthen the criminal justice system as a whole.
This morning, the guidebook for this effort will be released. "Crime Victims Guidebook: For Those Who Have Lost Their Loved Ones to Violence" is a tragic but beautiful document written by Rose Preston. Rose lost her husband and mother-in-law to homicide 5 years ago, and she has responded to her ordeal by trying to help others. The Guidebook walks survivors of homicide through many of the emotional, logistical, and judicial hurdles they are likely to face. The booklet offers both empathetic and practical advice and includes an extensive resource section, covering anti-crime and victim-service efforts in New Orleans.
Then on Saturday, Victim Allies Project Volunteer Coordinators Denise Obst and Troylyncia LeBrane will lead a Volunteer Orientation, which will serve as an information and training session before volunteers are paired with victim-survivors of homicide. If you are interested in volunteering for this important project or would like more information, please contact Denise or Troylyncia (victimallies@gmail.com, 504-214-7542) to sign up for Saturday's one-hour orientation.
Victim Allies Project weekend events:
Friday, June 12, 10am-11am: Crime Victims Guidebook release. Beth's Books, 2700 Chartres Street, 504-947-4477.
Saturday, June 13, 2pm-3pm: Victim Allies Project Volunteer Orientation. Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Avenue. For more information, 504-214-7542.
Respect and resources for victims is an effort all of New Orleans can get behind, to the benefit of the entire city!
www.silenceisviolence.org
