National Victims Rights Week focuses on theme of "Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim"

Scott Campbell was 27 years old when he was last seen. April 16, 1982, he planned to fly in a private plane to North Dakota with another man. Little did he know there was another person on board. The man hiding in the back of the plane killed Campbell and dumped his body into the ocean.
Sadly, his mom and dad, Gary and Colleen Campbell, were never able to see their son again. They were also never given an opportunity to be involved or included in the murder trial of their son’s killers. They were not allowed in the court room and were never given the opportunity to speak at the trial or at the sentencing for their son’s murderers.
That was nearly 30 years ago, and since that time the rights of victims and survivors have begun to be recognized.  Part of this recognition will be honored in a few short weeks.  National Victim Rights week will be recognized during the week of April 22-28, with this year’s theme being "Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim".
Since Campbell’s murder trial and many others like his, each state in the United States has passed laws to protect the rights of victims. Iowa, along with the Allamakee County Attorney’s Office, takes the rights of victims seriously. In 2010, the Allamakee/Fayette County Attorney’s Offices, in a joint effort, applied and was awarded funding to provide services to victims of serious crimes and continues to extend the vision.
Those who are victims of a serious crime in Allamakee or Fayette County have the right to:
• Information regarding the trial
• To be present at criminal justice proceedings
• To due process (Notice of and the opportunity to be heard at criminal proceedings)
• Financial recompense for losses suffered as a result of the crime
• Protection
• Privacy

Allamakee/Fayette County’s Victim Witness Program provides not only rights as a victim, but provides advocacy with fairness, dignity, and respect. The Allamakee/Fayette Victim Witness Program also offers:
• Support and Advocacy
• Resources and Referrals
• Information on Restitution and/or Compensation
• Victim Impact Statement Forms
• Updates on the Status of the Criminal Case
• Accompaniment to any Court Proceedings

A victim is usually defined as a person who has suffered physical, emotional or financial harm as a result of a crime.  This also includes immediate family members of a homicide victim.
Robyn Carey Dundee, Allamakee/Fayette Victim Witness Coordinator, is available in both Allamakee and Fayette County to provide every victim with information or assistance.  To reach the Victim Witness Program phone 563-568-9009.