April 19 – 25 Events Promote Justice and Recovery in Support of Locals Victimized by Crime

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Balloon release, Johnstown

SCHENECTADY, NY (04/09/2015)(readMedia)-- Local agencies are hosting events to increase awareness of victims' rights and services available in Fulton and Montgomery counties, April 19-25, National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

"This year's theme, Engaging Communities. Empowering Victims., reminds us that everybody plays a role in supporting the people in our community who have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, or other crimes," stated Jennifer Abrams, victim services program manager for Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Services. "We need to believe them and help them get the services they need to move forward in recovery."

Fulton County District Attorney's Office, Fulton Montgomery Community College (FMCC), and Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Services, a program of Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson, are collaborating on these events. All FMCC events take place in the College Union building, in or near the large lounge.

• April 19-25

Display Wall at FMCC

Impacted by crime? You're encouraged to write your message - of grief, anger, fear, healing - and share it on the display wall.

• April 21, 11:00 am-1:30 pm

Tabling Event at FMCC

Stop by for information on community services: domestic violence, sexual assault and crime victims' rights and free promotional items.

• April 22, 12 pm

Inspirational speaker Penny Lacy at FMCC

When Penny Lacy was a child, her mother was brutally murdered (by Lacy's stepfather). In one traumatic instant Lacy and her siblings lost their mother and their home (when they were sent to foster care). Learn how Lacy struggled to keep her family together in loving triumph over tragedy. Today, Penny Lacy is a local minister who shares her inspirational story to help others.

• April 22, 4 pm

Balloon release outside the Fulton County Office Building in Johnstown

The balloon release symbolizes the letting go of tragedy and embracing community support. This event features a proclamation given by Fulton County District Attorney Louise Sira, a vocal performance and flowers for participants.

These events are supported by a National Crime Victims' Right Week Community Awareness Project sub-grant awarded by the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators under a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

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Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Services, a program of Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson, formerly Sexual Assault Support Services. Have you been victimized by sexual assault, domestic violence or other crimes? Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Services offers free and confidential help. Call our 24-hour hotline for crisis counseling, information about your rights, and the support you need to begin your recovery.