Frederick, MD (April 13, 2006) – As part of its observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 23-29, 2006), Witness Justice launched a new program for crime victims and service providers, to address an often neglected need for the many of us who experience violence and trauma: spiritual support. Volunteers and faith communities, primarily from Frederick County, Maryland, will pray for the specific needs and concerns of crime survivors who have requested prayers. The program is called The National Prayer Group for Survivors and Advocates.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY DETAILS
WHO:	Praying Volunteers with Witness Justice Founder Helga West
WHERE:	St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 3864 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson MD
WHEN:	Wednesday, April 19, 2006 – 11:00 AM

Witness Justice, a Frederick-based, non-religious national nonprofit organization focused on addressing gaps in crime victim services, has found that survivors often do not get the religious or spiritual support they need. The Prayer Group is multi-denominational and will include Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and other faiths, so that survivors can request prayers from a specific denomination.

The initiative has been very well-received by survivors, service providers, and advocates alike. “However one defines his or her spirituality, this initiative will benefit both survivors and faith communities by fostering compassionate understanding and spiritual restoration,” said Roberta Roper, founder of the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (formerly the Stephanie Roper Foundation), and nationally renowned victims rights advocate. “Among the consequences of crime suffered by many victims is a crisis of faith. Crime victims and their families often feel isolated and alone, lose trust in others, and may feel abandoned by God. For many, spiritual support is critical in restoring a sense of hope and healing.”

“I was surprised when many from my own church community responded with comments like ‘let go and let God’ as I was recovering from a violent attempted murder years ago,” said Helga West, President and Chief Executive Officer of Witness Justice. “Spiritual struggles are not uncommon among survivors. We believe this program will serve not only to help survivors heal and grow spiritually, but also assist persons from all walks of life to stay connected with their faith-based communities.”

Witness Justice is a national, grassroots, non-partisan and non-denominational nonprofit organization created by survivors for survivors. Our mission is to empower and assist victims of violent crime and their loved ones through both the trauma healing and criminal justice processes. Witness Justice provides direct services for victims in Frederick County and across the country, offering support regardless of where a victim lives, when or where the crime occurred, or whether the crime was ever reported. For more information, please visit us at www.WitnessJustice.org.