This week, the Arc of Dreams is lit purple to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Holly Wethor was inspired by her experiences navigating the criminal justice system as a victim; she decided to become a victim advocate and help those in abusive situations.
A victim advocate can be made available by the court system or through a counseling center.
“They’ll go with you to the court and help you and write victim impact letters and just be with you there for the whole entire process and it’s actually a very much healing journey when you can do this,” said Wethor. “And so it was for me that I can definitely tell you that’s the best feeling in the world. And then you are finally able to breathe.”
Some victims are trapped in a domestic violence relationship through financial limitations. New grant funding is available in some cases to help with legal assistance to sever the relationship and navigate legal complications.
“A lot of times, victims will not leave their abuser because of the financial aspect. Whether they threaten them with money, or losing the kids. Some offenders have their names on the houses or the cars or anything like that, so it’s really hard for victims to leave. So there is help out there. You just really have to want it and you have to reach out but there is help,” said Wethor.
“Marsy’s law gave me a voice, but not only a voice — it helped me build a relationship back with God and my family and find something I’m passionate about. Fighting for my life and kids, continuing to fight for other victims to have that voice. If I could crawl out of the wrath of hell and succeed, there is no reason anyone else can’t. You have to find your voice, and you have to fight for it; that’s what Marsy’s Law did for me.”
You can read the full article at the Dakota New Now.