victims visitors' day
A Victims Visitors’ Day allows crime victims the opportunity to discuss with the Board Members the parole status of offenders who committed the crimes against them and share with the members, the impact of the crime on the victim.
Victims were also able to register with the Georgia Office of Victim Services to receive parole status updates on their offenders as well as many other services that are provided.
Parole Board Chairman Terry Barnard says the Victims Visitors’ Day helps ensure the victim is included in the parole decision process and that the Board has the information the victim wishes to share with the Board Members.
“We will continue this important event as an effort to meet with every crime victim in Georgia, who wishes to be heard,” stated Barnard.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was April 2-8, 2017. This year’s national theme: Strength, Resilience, Justice; reflects a vision for the future in which all victims are strengthened by the response they receive, organizations are resilient in response to challenges, and communities are able to seek collective justice and healing.
“All five Board Members were present at today’s Victims Visitors’ Day, meeting with crime victims to receive their information and to be sure we include it when considering the parole cases. The Board will continue to be resilient as we seek justice and healing for victims as we make informed parole decisions,” Barnard said.
More than 100 victims and family members attended the Victims Visitors’ Day.
In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Georgia’s Parole Board met with Georgia victims of crime in Dahlonega April 6th.
“As decision makers we were glad to talk with crime victims today as we responded to their need for information and understanding. Hopefully our presence, meeting directly with these victims, will bring about healing and closure,” stated Chairman Terry Barnard.