Honoring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

May 1, 2024

Across California, staff from CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services facilitated, organized or took part in events in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Observed annually, this year it was commemorated April 21-27.

Editor’s note: This story will be updated as more events are submitted. The following stories are published in the order they were received.

Calipatria honors crime victims

Honor Guard presented colors during the crime victims event at Calipatria State Prison. — The Calipatria State Prison Honor Guard.

Two women stand at a lectern. — The Calipatria State Prison Honor Guard.

On Tuesday, April 23, Calipatria State Prison hosted a ceremony in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

“This is a time for the nation to recognize those who have been a victim of crime,” said Associate Warden Rafael Acevedo. “(We are) honoring their strength, resiliency, and commitment for a better tomorrow.”

The event acknowledged every victim of crime but more specifically recognized survivor and guest speaker Judi Klein-Pritchard. She recounted her story and acknowledged the impact it had on her and her family. She also recognized the assistance and compassion that was shown to her by law enforcement agencies during their ordeal.

“Events like this allow victims of crime an opportunity to share their story and regain their powerful voices,” said Community Resource Manager Heather Duarte.

Sara Solorzano, from the office of U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D., presented Klein-Pritchard with a Congressional certificate for her bravery.

Meanwhile, Calipatria State Prison Honor Guard presented the colors. Deacon Sergio Hernadez also provided an invocation.

“This event allows staff to honor the past and create hope for the future as we continue not to forget those who have been victimized by crime,” said Chief Deputy Warden Sam Venero.

Submitted by Lt. E. Uribe

Centinela hosts Crime Victims’ Rights Week event

District Attorney speaking at Centinela State Prison. — Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez.

A woman holds a microphone and speaks at a crime victims event at Centinela State Prison. — Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez.

On Friday, April 26, Centinela State Prison held a special ceremony in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights and Recognition Week.

The event is meant to raise awareness of the intense psychological, physical, and financial struggles experienced by victims of crime. Leaders and staff of local victim services agencies were on hand to support the event.

Guest presenters included George Marquez, Imperial County District Attorney, and Melissa Moore, Director of Imperial County Victim and Witness Assistance Office.

The event keynote speakers were Gina Vargas and Judi Klein-Pritchard from the Center for Family Solutions. Pritchard’s remarks included her own personal story of crime victimization.

Submitted by Lt. D. Loop

California Men’s Colony hosts fundraiser for victims

A group of people, most incarcerated, with an oversized check to donate to a charity. — Over $2,200 was raised by the CMC population for crime victims.

An incarcerate person speaks in front of a large gathering with a banner behind him that reads "A Day for Atonement." — Over $2,200 was raised by the CMC population for crime victims.

California Men’s Colony (CMC) hosted its second Victims of Violent Crime fundraiser, A Day for Atonement, on April 26.

The event is designed to support people affected by violent crimes and give the incarcerated population a means to atone to the victims they created by their actions.

The event, sponsored by Capt. M. Thury, featured several guest speakers from the community and included an open forum of emotional testimonials from the incarcerated population and crime victims.

Their expressions of atonement were told through poems, songs, and heart-felt words of deep sorrow for the ripple effect they created on so many lives.

Incarcerated person Adam Ingala-Whiting said this is about making positive choices.

“We cannot go back and simply undo the harm we have caused, but we have every capability to chart a new path going forward,” he said.

Nearly 200 members of the incarcerated population participated in the event, collecting $2,237. All proceeds were donated to Restorative Partners, an organization providing programs and services for Victims of Violent Crime.

Submitted by Lt. T. Eilers

CTF-Soledad honors victims of crime

Crime victims event with a choir singing. — Facility C Chorus sings at the CTF event.

Six CDCR Honor Guard members wearing uniforms. — Facility C Chorus sings at the CTF event.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad held an event on April 23 followed by the CTF Honor Guard and management participating in a county observance April 26.

During the institution’s 12th annual National Crime Victims Week events, organized by CTF staff and The Amity Foundation, a large audience from both the incarcerated population and the facility attended. Throughout the day, crime victims and their family members shared powerful stories, highlighting the profound impact of crime on their lives. Two separate events were held on Facilities B and C.

As part of the event, some incarcerated individuals spoke about their own crimes. They openly discussed the trauma, pain, and emotional distress they caused, illustrating the severe consequences of criminal actions on victims and their families. In addition, the Facility C Chorus performed during the event.

The events aimed to achieve several goals:

Give victims a platform to be heard.
Inspire change in the incarcerated population to prevent future crimes.
Offer the incarcerated population a constructive and educational experience to shift their perspectives and attitudes about their offenses.

Acting Warden Edward J. Borla said the events are significant.

“Hearing directly from victims and those who have caused harm offers a unique perspective that is essential for real change. This event is a crucial step in rehabilitation and understanding the human impact of crime,” he said.

During the 25th Annual Monterey County Crime Victims Dedication Ceremony on April 26, Borla was accompanied by CTF management and the Honor Guard. This event was hosted by the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Victims of Crime Unit. During the ceremony, the Honor Guard from CTF/SVSP had the honor of presenting the colors, contributing to the event.

Submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum

CHCF honors crime victims with week of events

Prison warden throws first pitch at a softball game. — Warden Gena Jones throws the first pitch at a CHCF game.

Incarcerated people walk around a track at a California prison. — Warden Gena Jones throws the first pitch at a CHCF game.

The California Health Care Facility (CHCF) recognized National Crime Victims Awareness Week, April 21-27, by hosting events, welcoming guest speakers, and fundraising for a nonprofit victim-support organization.

Each day, CHCF started off with an announcement in the morning over the institutional overhead with a moment of silence to pay tribute to the victims.

On Monday, CHCF hosted a chalk art competition where each building drew a picture to represent victim awareness. This was followed by a Walk & Roll for Victim Awareness.

Judges for the best artwork included the public information officer, community resource manager, and the yard’s office technician. There were also guest speakers from the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and the Deputy District Attorney’s office for San Joaquin County. They spoke about their experience working with victims and how it has impacted them.

On Tuesday, Prevail, an organization from San Joaquin County, participated in “Sand through the Cracks,” an event representing sexual assault victims who have fallen through the cracks of the system.

Teal sand was spread around the yard with representatives from Prevail and the incarcerated population coming together to take a stand for sexual assault victims. Later in the evening, Prison Sports Ministry played a softball game with the incarcerated population.

Warden Jones threw the first pitch, while acting Community Resource Manager Jasmin Gin volunteered to the be the umpire behind the plate. Meanwhile, Lt. Michelle Orozco, the public information officer, volunteered to be the first base umpire.

On Wednesday, Prison of Peace and Uncommon Law both visited the population to discuss the importance of victim awareness with the population. Later in the day, the incarcerated population held a talent show dedicated to victims consisting of spoken word, singing, dancing, and variations of art. The Warden and Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment staff judged the show and chose an individual for the “golden buzzer” to present the next day in front of a bigger crowd.

On Thursday, Associate Warden Guajardo had some opening words for the population and to recognize their efforts during Victim Awareness Week. A representative from the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office visited with her canine companion dog Bear. The dog provides comfort, allowing victims of sexual assault to tell their story.

Elle, another guest speaker, lost her daughter to a drunk driver. She spoke about how the driver was incarcerated and she learned to forgive him. She encouraged the population to start the healing process of forgiving themselves. Followed by Elle was the story of a real victim offender dialogue from one of the CHCF incarcerated individuals who shared his story of the mother of his victim forgiving him.

The Office of Violence Prevention later joined Prevail to share resources with the population as well as offer support.

The event closed with Warden Jones thanking everyone for participating.

Story written by Jasmin Gin, acting community resource manager
Submitted by Lt. Michelle Orozco, public information officer

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