Finding Common Ground to Support Victims’ Rights

by Kids Forward | April 8, 2014

Home 9 Youth Justice 9 Finding Common Ground to Support Victims’ Rights ( Page 3 )

This week (April 6-12) is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a week to highlight the impact that crime has on victims and our community and to advocate for more resources to help serve those affected by crime.  The National Juvenile Justice Network has just released A House Divided No More: Common Cause for Juvenile Justice Advocates, Victim Advocates, and Communities.

We believe it is important for youthful offenders to understand that the acts they commit do harm other, but we also know that youth are frequently victims of crime – both youth crime and offenses committed by adults. We know that youth who are victims of violent offenses are three times more likely to commit an offense than those who are not victimized.  And, we know that all too often the resources needed to support all victims, not just youth, are insufficient to meet their many needs.  Victims, often like youthful offenders themselves, are caught up in a justice system that can be confusing and complex and a system that seems for many, including many victims, to place an emphasis on incarceration that may not be effective in the long run.

For juvenile justice advocates, every week – not just this one – needs to be about advocating for a more just and effective system for victims as well as youthful offenders.  And, victim and juvenile justice advocates should spend less time focusing on our differences than on the things we can do together to build safer communities and a justice system that works for us all.
By Jim Moeser

Join us to build a Wisconsin where
every child and family thrives.

Recent

WEBINAR: A State Budget that Works for Every Kid

WEBINAR: A State Budget that Works for Every Kid

Rebuild. Reclaim. Reimagine Wisconsin A State Budget that Works for Every Kid Wednesday, April 212-1:30pm CST In February, Governor Evers named 2025 the "Year of the Kid" while introducing his proposed budget. We're thrilled to hear it!   The state...

Our Response to Governor Evers’ Budget Proposal

Our Response to Governor Evers’ Budget Proposal

Last night, Governor Evers shared a budget that starts to address some of the challenges confronting families across the state. During the “Year of the Kid,” we look forward to working on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the state budget includes every kid in...

Sign up for Emails

Your address helps us identify your legislators and the most relevant messages to send you.