(WHITE TWP., March 28, 2007) -- Reaffirming their commitment to respect and enforce victims’ rights, the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders proclaimed April 22-28, 2007 to be National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

"As a nation devoted to liberty and justice for all, America must increase its efforts to protect, restore and expand crime victims' rights and services to that they apply to every victim, every time" Freeholder Director Everett A. Chamberlain said. "Victims of crime deserve respect, resources, restoration and justice," he added.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is intended to raise awareness of the problems that crime victims face, and the services available to them.

"Until you or someone you know is the victim of a crime, you don't realize the impact it has" Freeholder John DiMaio remarked. He added that society needs to make sure crime victims are compensated and properly protected.

Freeholder Richard D. Gardner noted the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office is “very helpful to the victims,” and praised the efforts of the prosecutor’s Victim Witness Office.

Warren County Prosecutor Thomas S. Ferguson thanked the freeholders for supporting the work his office does with victims, and for proclaiming National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Ferguson and Victim Witness Coordinator Lori Craig accepted the proclamation from the freeholders.

Ferguson noted the Prosecutor’s Office plans to open a new Child Advocacy Center in Belvidere, to create a better environment for child abuse and sexual assault victims to be interviewed.

Craig said it will be a “home-like environment” with age-appropriate interview rooms, workspace for representatives of the state Division of Youth and Family Services, a playroom for children, and rooms where investigators can meet with the parents of young victims.

The Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders proclaimed April 22-28, 2007 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Pictured are (l-r) Freeholder John DiMaio, Warren County Prosecutor Thomas S. Ferguson, Victim Witness Coordinator Lori Craig, Freeholder Director Everett A. Chamberlain and Freeholder Richard D. Gardner.

“We have so many cases of child abuse, and these kids are in our office for hours at a time” Craig said.

The Child Advocacy Center is being created using a $25,000 state grant and forfeited funds from drug dealers, Ferguson and Craig said.