OKLAHOMA CITY – In recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Attorney General Mike Hunter today issued a reminder to victims of domestic abuse or child abuse that shelters and other crisis centers are still operating amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
The prompt for victims to seek help comes as law enforcement officials in some areas of the state have seen an increase of calls in response to domestic violence and child abuse cases.
Attorney General Hunter said victims of violence need to understand resources remain available to help them, despite the unique circumstances.
“With the anxieties and stress from the current pandemic, law enforcement officials are worried we will continue to see an increase of calls related to domestic violence and child abuse,” Attorney General Hunter said. “These acts of violence destroy lives, rip apart families and leave a lifetime of negative effects. Children who experience or witness abuse are more likely to emulate that behavior in adulthood. My plea to those who are in danger or who know of an at-risk child is not to let current events keep you from seeking help.
“Additionally, I commend all the essential victims’ services personnel across the state, who continue providing resources to those in need. Unfortunately, we will not gather this week to recognize victims’ services providers for their valuable work, but I remain eternally grateful for what they do on a day-to-day basis for those in harm’s way.”
Although there will be no in-person events recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Attorney General’s Office is encouraging Oklahomans to show online support by sharing information and resources from the Department of Justice’s social media campaign.
For more information and resources on how to participate, visit the federal Office for Victims of Crime’s website, here: https://bit.ly/2wUigW1.
Oklahoma's Victim Services Unit supports crime victims and their families by providing information, connection to local services and direct assistance throughout the criminal process. The unit also provides training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors and victim advocates.
If individuals require assistance, the Attorney General’s Office encourages them to call the 24-hour SafeLine at 1-800-522-SAFE. The Oklahoma SafeLine is a confidential, toll-free, 24-hour hotline for Oklahomans seeking help or information about domestic violence, stalking, human sex trafficking and sexual assault. Translation services are available in 150 languages.
For more information on the attorney general’s Victim Services Unit, click here: http://www.oag.ok.gov/victim-services.
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