 |
|
||||||
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2007
Governor and Labor Recognize Crime Victims’ Rights
Jefferson City, MO – Gov. Matt Blunt and the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations are raising awareness and recognizing crime victims during National Crime Victims’ Week, April 22 – 28. This year’s theme is “Victims’ Rights: Every Victim. Every Time” and pays tribute to crime victims and survivors who have joined together to support victims’ rights and services.
“During Crime Victims’ Rights Week we join together to demonstrate our commitment to preventing violent crimes,” Gov. Blunt said. “We have a responsibility to advocate for the rights of crime victims and reach out to them in their time of need. I have been pleased to sign legislation to protect crime victims and provide Missouri law enforcement with the tools they need to track, apprehend and prosecute offenders.”
“People victimized by crime may suffer dramatic and long lasting effects,” said Rod Chapel, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “Crime Victims’ Rights Week gives Missouri an opportunity to educate our communities about the devastating impacts of violent crimes and also recognize the efforts of professionals and volunteers who dedicate their lives to helping victims of crime.”
The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is responsible for the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program. This program provides financial assistance to Missourians who have been physically or psychologically injured or killed in a violent crime. If a victim has exhausted other sources of compensation, such as health insurance, and has no other source of reimbursement, the program can help pay for medical costs, wage loss, psychological counseling, funeral expenses and support for dependent survivors to a maximum limit of $25,000.
For more information regarding the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program or Crime Victims’ Rights Week, visit http://www.dolir.mo.gov/wc/cv_help.htm or call Susan Sudduth at (573) 526-3510.
###
Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)