National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 13 - 19, 2008

The United States Attorney’s Office is co-sponsoring a training conference with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nebraska Coalition for Victims of Crime, Nebraska Crime Commission, Nebraska State Probation, Nebraska Dept. of Corrections, and the U.S. Dept. Of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. This training conference, entitled, “Responding to Victims of Campus Violence” will be held April 16th - 18th  at the Downtown DoubleTree Hotel, 1600 Dodge Street,  Omaha, NE.  Registration cost is $30.00 and includes conference materials and continental breakfast.  The conference is in recognition of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme of, “Justice For Victims. Justice For All.”  A few of the keynote speakers are: Beth Nimmo, mother of Rachel Scott (victim of the 1999 Columbine, Colorado school shooting); Dr. Roger Depue, who will discuss fantasy and the part it can play in victimization; Dr. Dewey Cornell, University of Virginia, presenting on proper response to victims on campus.  There will also be training presentations on the topics of creating a safe environment for victim disclosure, suicide risk factors, using local resources in establishing a Family Assistance Center and compassion fatigue.  The conference is intended for criminal justice personnel, victim advocates, educators, mental health professionals, law enforcement, fire & rescue responders, medical personnel and other professionals who provide services to victims of crime.

        Crime in America has a devastating impact on victims and survivors, neighborhoods, and our society as a whole.  Here in Nebraska, the “Heartland,” we are not exempt from the tragedy, pain, and sorrow that comes from being victimized by crime.  Crime continually threatens our individual and collective sense of safety and security.  “Responding to Victims of Campus Violence” recognizes that victims’ rights, needs, and concerns are essential priorities to promoting justice, and safety.