SAFFORD — The Graham County Attorney’s Office and the Victim Witness Department took to the stage Wednesday to spread the message that victims are not alone, and there is help available.
“There are so many victims I’ve talked to over the years that are under the misunderstanding that they’re alone. That, one, there’s nobody to help them, and two, there’s never been anyone that’s gone through the experiences they have’” said Graham County Attorney L. Scott Bennett. “If we can just kind of reach out and help them recognize there is help out there (and) you’re not alone.”
Victim Awareness Week came to a close Wednesday, with a special ceremony outside Graham County Courthouse. Bennett, along with Safford Police Chief Glen Orr, Victim’s Rights Advocate Jessei MacIntire and survivor Julia Robledo all spoke about the need to support victims of violence and abuse.
“Victims have had to hide themselves for too long,” MacIntire said. “It’s time now the community recognizes their needs and offers them resources. Victims need to know the resources that are available to them and they need the help.”
MacIntire talked of her surviving years of child abuse — physical, mental and sexual —and Robledo offered hope to others dealing with abuse.
“Rather than tell you about my past, I’d rather talk about my surviving. If I can do it, you can, too,” Robledo said. “We need to open our eyes to the victims that are out there.”
Orr agreed, saying the police are “not here for criminals, we’re here for the people affected by criminals.”
Following the remarks, attendees participated in a balloon release and a wind-shortened candlelight vigil.
Bennett closed by praising the work of MacIntire and Elvira Talavera, who staff the Victim Witness Department in the County Attorney’s Office.
