The National Crime Victims Rights Week (NCVRW) celebration in Iowa began with Governor Chet Culver signing the proclamation for Victim Rights Week. On April 19 The Iowa Department of Corrections Victim Advisory Council, the Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance, and the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Iowa, joined together to celebrate Victim Rights Week in the Grant Room of DOC.
Alexis Van Vleet began the ceremony by singing "America the Beautiful."
Sayeta Glanton, Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor, read the Governor's proclamation of Victim Rights Week. Opening remarks were made by John Baldwin, Director, Iowa Department of Corrections and Nicholas Klinefeldt, United States Attorney, Southern District of Iowa. The celebration included the presentation of the 2010 John and Kay Egan Award to Karen Muelhaupt. More information about this year's Egan Award recipient and past recipients is located here.The ceremony included the reading of the names of Iowans who have lost their lives to crime between April 2009 and April 2010.
There was a panel discussion in which Leanne B. shared her experience participating in Iowa DOC Victim Impact panels. Dave S. shared his experience as a faster parent of a victim and the importance of victim registration and notification. Greg N shared his experience as a survivor of attempted homicide and his participation in parole hearings.
Click here for proclamation photos.
Click here for more event photos.
Click here for the Egan award presentation to Karen Muelhaupt.