(Seguin) — A Texas-based non-profit group is standing with victims and their families as part of this week’s designation as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is shining a spotlight on victim’s rights during this time. MADD National Ambassador Prisca Patrick says MADD wants victims to know that they are supported and that the have rights to help them along the way.
“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a week where we celebrate victims of impaired driving and also share resources with victims. Impaired driving crashes are crimes that shatter lives and devastate communities. Yet too often, people overlook their criminal nature and devastating consequences. During National Crime Victims’ Week, MADD is reaffirming this commitment to those impacted by impaired driving, ensuring they have access to support, legal resources and advocacy to seek accountability and compensation. This year’s theme is Kinship, Connecting and Healing. It serves as a national call to action, reminding us that no victim should have to suffer alone,” said Patrick.
Patrick says the services and support are not just limited to MADD. She says crime victims have a wide range of services available to them.
“Obviously, there’s Mothers Against Drunk Driving, where we provide victim assistance, including connecting victims with crime victim compensation. We also have the National Center for Victims of Crime, which provides information and legal assistance for crime victims. There is also victim law, which offers a searchable database of victims, rights, laws, protections and resource. There is VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). Some states have the VINE system, which allows victims and their families to register for real time updates on offenders and their court status. Of course, there are also attorneys. They can consult with experienced personal injury lawyers, who may help victims pursue civil action for additional compensation. There are so many organizations out there to help victims,” said Patrick.
Patrick says the legal process can be complicated, but their is help available. She says crime victims should remember that they are not alone.
“If you don’t know where to start, you can obviously just start with MADD. We have a 24/7 free Victim Services Helpline where you can contact us, and we’ll provide emotional support for victims and their loved ones. We also provide assistance with crime victim compensation guidance through the criminal and civil justice systems. The list goes on and on and on. We want to ensure and let everyone know, especially our victims and survivors, that they are not alone. We are here to help every step of the way, no matter if the crash happened yesterday or 15 years ago. MADD is always here,” said Patrick.
If you’re not sure how to get started getting the services that you need, Patrick says that MADD can help you take that first step.
“Individuals can either call our MADD Victims Helpline. The MADD Victims Helpline is 1-877-MADD-HELP, which is 1-877-623-3435. You can also go to our website at www.madd.org, and just search for victim services and all the information is there. Someone will help you get more information. If MADD isn’t able to help you further — which is not likely, we could also refer you to other organizations within your state and within your local communities,” said Patrick.
MADD is stressing their support of crime victims. Patrick says they can help, and all of their services and support are free.
“Anytime of the day, if you call our helpline, a victim advocate will answer and they will talk to you for five minutes or to six hours. It doesn’t matter. We are there for you 100 percent, and it’s free,” said Patrick.
In addition to this week’s designation as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Patrick says the month of April is also a special time for MADD as they continue their fight against impaired driving.
“April is also Alcohol Awareness Month, and we are just spreading awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. One great thing about that is that we have a partnership with Uber through MADD Network. Through that partnership during the month of April, donations up to $25,000 will be matched by Uber to reinforce that there are safe rides home, and Uber is one of those companies partnering with us in this fight against impaired driving,” said Patrick.
Patrick was a recent guest on KWED’s Saturday Topic program. You can hear our full conversation with her on our website, seguintoday.com.
Again, victims can get help by calling 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435), or go online to www.madd.org.