District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway said it is important for all of us to be aware of the right afforded crime victims in Tennessee.
This is Victims’ Rights Week. Dunaway said the rights include the ability for victims to be informed of court proceedings and to consult directly with prosecutors regarding the management of their cases.
“The criminal justice system is a tough one to maneuver many times, and victims are the innocent players in that system and often overlooked,” Dunaway said. “Most of the time it appears that the defendant’s rights are the ones that are defended and emphasized, and we want victims to know that they are also very much valued in this system and want them to have as much information as possible to navigate this court system that can often be complicated and feel overwhelming.”
Dunaway said media coverage often focuses primarily on the actions of the defendant or offender rather than the individuals impacted by the crime. Dunaway said victims are frequently left to deal with the long-term consequences resulting from the actions of others.
“We want them to know that they’re supported in the circumstances that they have found themselves in for no fault of their own,” Dunaway said. “So it’s just kind of a time to celebrate and educate the public and victims themselves about the rights and resources that are available to them.”
Dunaway said his office employs a dedicated staff of victim witness coordinators who assist individuals in navigating the complexities of the court system. Dunaway said these coordinators provide education on what to expect during the legal process and how victims can remain engaged.
“Well, I just think a dialogue, you know, things like Victims’ Rights Week are not the end all, be all, but it’s kind of an awareness campaign that’s celebrated every year,” Dunaway said. “You know, talking about it, educating yourself and the victims.”
Dunaway said community support for victims is often strongest immediately following a crime but can diminish as time passes. Dunaway said victims of violent crimes often experience the effects of victimization for the remainder of their lives.
“And I think if we will remain diligent and remain available to victims, you know, for as long as they need our services, that’s one of the things we can do,” Dunaway said. “Just kind of staying in it for the long haul because especially victims of violent crime, they deal with that effect of being victimized for often the rest of their lives. And we as a community can just be mindful of staying with them and supporting them for as long as it takes.”