With elections just around the corner, we find ourselves flooded with commercials and blast phone calls from candidates urging us to vote for them with a promise they give us that a positive change is fast approaching.
This election year, we are asking voters to take notice to a very important issue that will be on the ballots November 4. This is the Victims’ Bill of Rights. This Bill plays a key role in assisting victims and family members of domestic violence. If passed, the amendment would guarantee a victim’s right to be free from harassment, intimidation and abuse throughout the criminal trial process. It also supports a victim’s right to notice and to a hearing before a court ruling on access to any of the victim’s records, information or communications. According to the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, a victim of domestic violence has the right to be heard at any post-arraignment court proceeding in which a victim’s right is at issue and at any court proceeding involving a post-arraignment release decision, plea or sentencing. By voting for this amendment, there is a consideration of the safety of the victim and their family in determining bail and conditions of release after arrest and conviction of the defendant as well as ensures that the accused does not have standing to assert the rights of a victim.
So please, on November 4, when you go it to vote, please vote “YES” to show your support for victims and family members of Domestic Violence.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Kelsey-Grammer-Touts-Crime-Victims-Amendment-in-Illinois-280664722.html
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