NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 5, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ragan Balzer, Victim Services Coordinator, City of Duluth Attorney's Office
218-730-5278
Tara Haynes, Victim/Witness Special Projects Coordinator, St. Louis County Attorney's Office
218-726-2035
Art exhibit at Zeitgeist raises awareness of crime victims' rights
"Honoring Our Past, Creating Hope for the Future" is the theme of this year's National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 7-13. It's a week to celebrate the progress made to ensure services for crime victims are inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed.
To draw attention to the rights of crime victims, the St. Louis County Attorney's Office and City of Duluth Attorney's Office are coordinating an exhibit at Zeitgeist Arts Cafe that features artwork made by survivors of crime and by advocates. An artist reception will be held April 10, at 5 p.m at 222 East Superior Street in Duluth, and will include representatives from the two attorneys' offices, as well as a proclamation from Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. The event is free and open to the public.
Survivors and advocates were invited to create artwork reflecting their experiences as a way to raise awareness and promote healing. The exhibit, which includes paintings and drawings, will remain on display through the end of the month. It was made possible by the U.S. Department of Justice, Victims of Crime Act and The Minnesota Office of Justice Programs, On the Rocks Art Studio and Gallery, Zeitgeist and the artists who generously donated their time, talent and supplies.
"We've made progress in engaging survivors in the criminal justice system, but we know there's always room for improvement," said Tara Haynes, Victim Witness Special Projects Coordinator in the St. Louis County Attorney's Office. "We want to further empower victims to be informed and engaged in the court process.
"When a person is victimized by crime, it's important they feel they have a voice in the process and the outcome," said Ragan Balzer, Victim Services Coordinator for the City of Duluth Attorney's Office. "We're helping them through not just the court process, but also through the healing process. That means working in partnership with law enforcement and many community agencies to ensure people get the services they need and deserve."
Learn more about the work and mission of the St. Louis County Attorney's Office at stlouiscountymn.gov/attorney, or the City of Duluth Attorney's Office at duluthmn.gov/attorneys.
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