For Immediate Release: April 20, 2020
Contact: Katlyn Toelle at (443) 417-5383
or katlyn@catholicsmobilizing.org
Website: catholicsmobilizing.org Twitter: @CMNEndtheDP
Catholic Mobilizing Network observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
(Washington, D.C.) Catholic Mobilizing Network, the national Catholic organization working to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice, joins a growing national movement in recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 19-25, 2020, honoring the experiences of victims of crime, their family members, victim advocates, and victims’ rights groups across the U.S.
“Catholic social teaching prioritizes the needs of people who are marginalized and vulnerable — including victims and survivors of crime,” said Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, Executive Director of CMN. “Likewise, a restorative justice approach to crime places victims’ voices at the center of the response to the harm — this echoes beautifully the Catholic social teaching principles of solidarity as well as rights and responsibilities.”
Restorative responses to crime and criminal justice call for victim-centered responses that promote hope, healing, and justice. Support, accompaniment, and the opportunity to be involved in the justice process are critical to upholding the dignity of victims and survivors of crime.
The annual commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week lifts up the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement, which is built upon the courageous advocacy of individual victims of crime, their families, and those who assist them, across the country.
“The Church teaches that every human person is endowed with God-given dignity, regardless of the harm one has suffered or caused,” said Vaillancourt Murphy. “As people of faith, it is our responsibility to shape our country’s broken criminal legal system so that responses to crime honor the dignity of victims and survivors and allow for life-giving hope and healing.”
Over its decade-long history, Catholic Mobilizing Network has collaborated closely with victims of crime and their families, both in its restorative justice programming and anti-death penalty advocacy. For members of the media seeking to be connected with a directly impacted person, please contact Katlyn Toelle at katlyn@catholicsmobilizing.org.
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CMN is a national organization that mobilizes Catholics and all people of goodwill to value life over death, to end the death penalty, to transform the U.S. criminal justice system from punitive to restorative, and to build capacity in U.S. society to engage in restorative practices.
CMN works in close collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and lives the Spirit of Unity of its sponsor, the Congregation of St. Joseph.
