Community Involvement, Victim & Survivor Rights & Services

Moments of silence honor crime victims

California Rehabilitation Center takes a pause

Prison staff stand along staircase outside prison.
A small gathering for a moment of silence at CRC are left center, Lavelle Parker, Chief Deputy Warden; and right center is Warden Glen E. Pratt. At the top of the stairs, center, is Doreen Marquez.

Education, awareness and respect were all part of the California Rehabilitation Center’s observances for crime victims.

Staff set up an information booth complete with yellow ribbons, brochures and fact sheets supplied by the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services. Information was also provided by the Riverside County Coalition for Alternatives to Domestic Violence.

While the entire week had special observances, on April 21, staff gathered to join Warden (A) Glen Pratt to respectfully held a moment of silence to remember the fallen and survivors.

Doreen Marquez, Classification and Parole Representative (C&PR), provided words of inspiration.

“As we fight through COVID-19, it is important we do not forget to honor and remember victims and survivors. Victims’ Rights have been working vigorously for the past half century to advocate for victims and their families. This has enabled hearing victims’ voices, helping them build trust in their communities, and reduced suffering in silence,” Marquez said. “In today’s society, victims are able to receive support from numerous agencies within communities. Also, it is imperative to recognize the victims and survivors to give inspiration and hope as they are not forgotten.”

Story by Estela Acosta, Community Resources Manager.

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility honors victims, survivors

To begin the institution’s moment of silence, Correctional Officer Gustavo Rodriguez played Taps over the SATF radio system. Staff and Warden (A) Theresa Cisneros also collected donations to go toward community programs assisting crime victims.

Submitted by Lt. Brent Urban.

Ventura Youth Correctional Facility shows support for crime victims

Youth correctional facility staff holds letters spelling out the theme for crime victims week.
Ventura Youth Correctional Facility staff hold up letters spelling out “Engage, Build, Support” in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Chaplain Jacob Matchak said a prayer before Ventura Youth Correctional Facility staff and youth observed a moment of silence April 21. Afterward, staff held up letters commemorating the theme of this year’s NCVRW.

Submitted by Karette Fussell, Supervising Casework Specialist.

Valley State Prison salutes Crime Victims’ Rights Week

People gather around a crime victims' memorial at Valley State Prison.
Gathered at the Crime Victims memorial at Valley State Prison, are, from left Warden R. Fisher, Jr.; W. Cipriani; Executive Assistant (A) D. Borba; Labor relations Officer L. Lucero; Capt. (A) K. Kostecky; Employee Relations Officer L. White; Complex II Captain E. Cruz; Complex II Captain (A) R. Boozer; Community Resources Manager C. Maroney; A. Wells; and H. Betts.

In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), Valley State Prison supported this year’s theme: “Support Victims, Build Trust, Engage Communities.”

On Wednesday, April 21, prison staff joined in honoring crime victims and survivors with a moment of silence. Meanwhile, the prison’s incarcerated population were encouraged to have a moment of silence as well. To help others, they also donated nearly $400 to local victim services agencies:

  • Breaking the Chains
  • Madera Community Action Partnership Victim Services
  • Mollie’s House Human Trafficking Shelter

Submitted by Lt. Lavelle Adams.


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