Crime victim's week kicks off with run

Clovis, lace up your sneakers. It's time to kick off National Crime Victim's Rights Week with the third annual Fun Run and Walk, hosted by the Ninth Judicial District Attorney's office.

According to District Attorney Andrea Reeb, 170 have pre-registered for the event, which has already surpassed the number of participants from last year.

“It's way bigger than last year,” Reeb said. “We're excited about the good turnout.”

According to a press release from the district attorney's office, the Fun Run and Walk will start at 8 a.m. Saturday at the North Annex of the Clovis-Carver Public Library. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and is $10 per person. All proceeds will go to the Oasis Children's Advocacy Center.

“Each year, we pick a different organization to give the money to,” Reeb said. “In the past, it's been Arise Sexual Assault Center. This year, the money will go to Oasis.”

Oasis Children's Advocacy Center, which has been operated by Hank Baskett for several years, Reeb said, conducts forensic interviews with children who have been victims of abuse, sexual abuse or witnessed a violent crime.

“They're special interviewers,” Reeb said. “That's basically what they do, and sometimes it's called the 'safe house.'”

Baskett said interviewers are trained to reduce any trauma children may already have.

“You have to have training to do this,” Baskett said. “We do it in a less traumatic manner and in a safe environment that's child-friendly.”

While the interviews are free for the family, Baskett said it still costs them around $700 per interview, which is paid for through funding by the state, United Way and grants.

“The services are free,” Baskett said, “but because of the education and stuff, you add all of that in, it would cost close to $700 for an interview.”

In addition to conducting interviews, Oasis also gives victims counseling referrals and refers victims to other agencies when a need for food, clothing or shelter is evident. Oasis also works with multidisciplinary teams to make sure that children and their families are safe.

“We all work together as a team to make sure the child and the family stay safe,” Baskett said.

Not only can participants run or walk in the Fun Run on Saturday, but anyone can participate in National Crime Victims' Rights Week by donating money directly to Oasis Children's Advocacy Center, and by donating food and basic household needs to the Hartley House, said victim advocate Devon Page.

Page said the Hartley House would accept canned meat, beans, canned fruits and vegetables and other non-perishable items including deodorant, soaps and shampoos all week. A complete list of items needed can be found on their website, she said.

But helping crime victims doesn't end with this week, Reeb said. It's something anyone can do at any time.

“Just all the different organizations that help victims find a place to stay, they don't have to pay for that,” Reeb said, “All of it is basically donated or paid for by state. That's the type of thing we can always use, is people donating to these organizations.”

According to Reeb, each victim advocate in the district attorney's office manages 15 to 20 crimes, and at least half, she said, are victim-related crimes.

“These aren't property crimes, but crimes against a person,” Reeb said. “It's a huge part of what we do every day.”

Reeb said the district attorney's office wanted to recognize crime victims across the country, and to make others aware that crime victims can be people close to you.

“We just wanted to be involved in recognizing victims all over, so we can make people aware that victims are your neighbors and family,” Reeb said. “It also recognizes first responders and all of these people that contribute services to crime victims. It's an annual tradition we love to be involved in.”