New Britain, Conn. (WTIC) – The City of New Britain commemorated the start of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with a news conference Monday.
In addition to promoting the nationwide event, which started under President Ronald Reagan in 1982, the City is partnering with the Human Resources Agency of New Britain to help raise awareness.
During the ceremony, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart read aloud a proclamation reaffirming the City’s commitment to helping victims of crime – regardless of race or ethnicity.
“New Britain is proud to be an inclusive, trauma-informed community that seeks to uplift one another,” said Mayor Stewart. “Together, with our many service providers right here in New Britain, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering individuals from all walks of life. When survivors of crimes or bullying are given the strength and resources they need to heal, we build a stronger community.”
The Human Resources Agency of New Britain improves the quality of life by helping people achieve their economic and social potential while responding to the causes and conditions of poverty. Currently, HRA offers 30 community based programs while serving over 29,000 individuals and families.
The Connecticut Judicial Branch Statistics for Family and Domestic Violence cases showed over 2,500 total cases between 2016 and 2017 in New Britain alone. Those crime statistics are not reported by race or ethnicity, however, the high percentage of Polish residents in New Britain exemplify the need for universal victim advocacy.
That is why the HRA established the Polish Victim Advocacy program in 1998. In total, the Polish Victim Advocacy Program has severed nearly 3,000 victims from the time it was founded in 1998, to June of 2016.
That program is just one of many examples where the HRA and City of New Britain is working to provide culturally and linguistically effective services to victims of crimes in both the city and surrounding area.
A “Walk-A-Thon” highlights the conclusion of the week’s events on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to noon, the community is invited to participate in a 1.5-mile self-guided walk in support of victims’ rights and services. The event is free, open to the public and registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
The event is sponsored by HRA of New Britain and is supported by the City of New Britain Mayor’s Office, New Britain Police Department, Survivors of Homicide, Inc., Community Mental Health Affiliates and many volunteers.
The first 250 walkers will receive a free t-shirt and kids participating will receive a small pennant to carry during the walk. This year’s theme is “Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.”
