by Megan Valandingham
During the week of April 22 to April 26, Jared Effler, the 8th Judicial District Attorney, and the assistant attorneys hosted their fourth annual Victims Walk. The Victim’s Walk is an event that honors the victims of crime as the community joins to show their support by walking a lap around the location. From local parks to churches within each of the five counties, this week was packed full of support for crime victims from the communities in the 8th Judicial District of Tennessee.
Within Appalachia, 26.3 million people reside in the region, and 4.3 million of those people live in poverty. According to an Analysis of Crime in Appalachia, "crime rates in Appalachia are only 50% for violent crime to 65% for property crimes at the national level." The biggest issues in the region are drugs and welfare fraud.
However, many outlets in the region are made to support the victims of crimes, no matter the offense. Maggie Inscho, a Victim Advocate with the Campbell County Children's Center, has a deep connection with the victims in the county.
"You just need to be there, because they have rights," Inscho said when asked about the best way to support victims.
Child Advocacy Centers in Tennessee says, " A children’s advocacy center is the ONE place that provides a safe, child-friendly environment where law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals may share information and develop effective, coordinated strategies sensitive to the needs of each unique case and child."
Tennessee Department of Corrections and The Office for Victims of Crimes lists various nationwide and state-wide organizations for adult victims.
What is the best way for the community to support victims of crimes? First, being there for them and listening to their story. Second, alert your local law enforcement when you are made aware of cases of abuse or other crimes. Always remember that victims have rights and deserve to be honored through the justice a community can serve.
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