Commissioners proclaim Crime Victims' Rights Week; district attorney urges sustained support for victims

The Franklin County Commissioners approved and signed a proclamation recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week and invited county staff and advocates to participate in a ceremonial photograph.

District Attorney Ian Brink, who read and commented on the proclamation, said crime victims “are victimized twice. First by the crime and then by being forgotten,” and urged the county to consider continued financial and programmatic support for victim services and advocates who assist survivors through the legal process.

The proclamation text read that the week acknowledges victims’ physical, financial, emotional, spiritual and social trauma, notes the existence of system and community-based victim services programs nationwide, and designates the week in April 2026 as Crime Victims' Rights Week in Franklin County. The board approved the proclamation by voice vote (recorded as “Aye” twice in the transcript) and then paused for a group photo.

Why it matters: the proclamation recognizes victims’ needs and signals county support for victim services; the district attorney and commissioners framed the action as a reminder to support victims outside the courtroom and to consider financial assistance for victim-advocate programs.

What’s next: The proclamation was approved and signed; no budget appropriation or new program was announced at this meeting.