Crime victims take campaign for awareness to the streets

Vernon County Commissioners David Darnold, Bonnie McCord and Neal Gerster led the annual Crime Victims Walk from Dr. Warren Lovinger's office on south Ash Street to the Vernon County Courthouse Tuesday evening.

Nevada Daily Mail

Although the weather was damp and chilly, about 50 people turned out for the 25th annual Crime Victim's Walk, an event meant to call attention to the rights and needs of the victims of violent crimes. The event is traditionally held in conjunction with National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which was April 10-16.

Organized by the Vernon County Domestic Violence Task Force, this year's event focused on the theme, "Justice isn't served until crime victims are."

Martha Sander, executive director of the Council on Families in Crisis, Nevada, penned a poem illustrating that theme, and calling attention to the many types of crimes to which people fall victim. Some are harmed by a stranger, others by someone they know.

At the event, Sanders shared the following poem, which illustrates that many victims, the emotional pain and scars lingers much longer than the physical ones:

My heart so aches, what did I

do?

It doesn't make sense, What I

experienced from you.

I thought you were a stranger

Passing me right by.

I had no idea

Of how you would make me cry.

I thought you were my friend,

Someone I could trust.

I was forever changed,

My heart's about to bust.

I thought you were my love,

The special one for me.

You hurt me so bad,

But you act so carefree.

It's been a long road,

And now I know

That it was not what I did

That made me hurt so.

It was a choice by you,

Full of anger, greed and hate.

An action you regret,

But now it's too late.

You say that you are sorry,

Do you really feel shame?

My life is forever changed, And

I shall NEVER be the same.

You who stand among us,

Do you really understand?

Our lives are changed forever.

We need a helping hand.

The walk and opening remarks by Sander were followed by the presentation of colors by the Nevada AFJROTC, the "Star Spangled Banner," sung by Elisha Ellis, invocation by Mike Hutchens, "God Bless America," sung by Elisha Ellis, reading of a proclamation by Kristi Sutton, victim advocate, Vernon County Prosecutor's Office; a keynote speech by Vernon County Presiding Commissioner David Darnold; "Through It All," sung by Tim Wilson, a presentation and memorial service by Martha Sander; a benediction by Wes Anderson, pastor of the Community Christian Church; and, finally, an opportunity for victims to share their experiences and offer remembrances.