EMMIE BOESE
Hutch Post
SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The office of the Reno County District Attorney held an annual community candle lighting ceremony for National Crime Victims' Rights Week at the South Hutchinson Community Center on Thursday night.
"My office is dedicated to making sure that justice is being done and that we work with you and we talk to you and we communicate with you so you know what's going on in every case that we have," District Attorney Thomas R. Stanton in his opening remarks at the ceremony. "We don't make a move with negotiations or anything else without talking to you first and we have discussions with you throughout trial."
Guest speaker Melanie Watson shared her story of domestic violence with those in attendance. A candle lighting ceremony took place after. Victim-Witness Coordinator Sarah McReynolds who planned the event, said the event was very impactful.
"It's nice to be able to get everyone together," McReynolds said. "Everybody has different circumstances. They've all endured different things, you know, whether it's being victims themselves or survivors or having family members who were ultimately victims. But, I feel like it's very beneficial to get everybody together. That way we can share our grieving processes and share where we are and how we've handled those things."
The theme of National Crime Victims Week for 2024 is “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors." Nikki Burkhart from BrightHouse presented the resources their organization has available for victims and their friends and family in cases of domestic violence and sexual assault.
In his opening remarks at the ceremony, Stanton reminded everyone that crime comes in all shapes and sizes and affects all socio-economic backgrounds.
"One of the greatest honors I've had in my almost 33 years now in prosecution, has been to help victims and to see justice done in cases," Stanton said.
The Reno County website has a resources page for those who are the victim or witness of a crime. BrightHouse also has a 24-hour Crisis Line that can be reached by calling (620) 663-2522 or (800) 701-3630. To communicate through text, type"LIGHT" to 847411.
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