Officials with the Northeastern Judicial Circuit recently hosted multiple events in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which spanned from April 25-29, 2022. 

The 2022 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme is “Rights, access, equity, for all victims.” The week is designed to celebrate the ways in which communities seek justice on behalf of those affected by crime.

District Attorney Lee Darragh welcomed the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to Hall County on April 27. With the coordination of victim advocates from the DA’s office, board member David Herring and board staff met with victims and their families from both Dawson and Hall Counties to hear their input on cases in which parole consideration is approaching.

“The protection of the rights of victims has in the last few decades been the most important focus of the criminal justice system,” Darragh said. “Being able to bring the parole process to a local level to assist in facilitating face-to-face meetings for crime victims is significant in recognizing the impact violent crime continues to have on victims and their families.”

This is the first Victims Visitors Day hosted by the Board since the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the previous day, April 26, DA office staff presented Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson with a wreath to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  

“While a wreath is a small recognition of victims, it is significant to recognize victims of crime after centuries of focus on defendants,” Darragh said. 

If you or someone you know has been the victim of crime and is seeking resources, please visit the Dawson County Victim Services Resources page at www.dawsoncounty.org/VSR.