How many times have you been a victim of crime?

It seems like none of us can escape crime. Most of us have probably been victimized by a criminal act at least once by the time we are 21, and more as we age, gain experiences and possessions. Sometimes it is by strangers, but often an acquaintance or an even closer person to us is the perpetrator.

April 13-19 is National Victims' Rights Week. Federal Heights is recognizing the annual event with a Mayor's Proclamation and a ceremony recognizing victims' rights at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 14 at the flagpole in front of City Hall. For more information, go to the city's Web site at www.ci.federal-heights.co.us. For other area Victims' Rights celebrations, go to www.coloradocrimevictims.org. If you have questions, contact Kim Dressel, Federal Heights Victim Services Coordinator, at kdressel@ ci.federal-heights.co.us.

According to information provided in the Federal Heights Proclamation, 23 million Americans are victims of crime each year, with 5.2 million of those people being victimized by violent crime.

I've written about Neighborhood Watch programs in a past blog entry. These programs offer great ways to avoid becoming a victim and to lessen the impact of crime when it does happen. Safety measures for your home, self-defense training, community monitoring, personal belonging identification, and other crime prevention techniques are provided by your local police department - free of charge.

However, even with caution and preparation, crime sometimes can not be avoided. Unfortunately, some criminals just have the right timing, the right planning or a combination of luck and criminal intelligence. At those times, victims of crime need the support of others. Victims can feel lonely, isolated, frustrated and scared. Family, friends, co-workers and neighbors can offer a helping hand and an open ear.

Some victims experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after crimes, especially violent ones. Suffering from PTSD is a real problem and is best treated with the assistance of mental health professionals, so don't be afraid to seek help for yourself or others after being victimized. (One of my friends writes about PTSD in her blog, so check it out at http:// laurapenpusher.com/.)

When someone reports a crime to the police, Victims' Advocates are available to provide guidance and support. Though many cities have at least one part-time Victims' Advocate liaison, most Advocates are volunteers who take time out of their usual schedules and away from their families to help others.

The Federal Heights Victim Services Unit can always use more volunteer victim advocates, to provide on-scene contact with victims and witnesses of violent crime, sudden death and other emergency situations. Advocates are required to be on-call for three 12-hour shifts each month. For more information or to apply, call Kim Dressel, Victim Services Coordinator at 303-412-3541. You can also check out the Victim Services Unit Application (Online).

And remember to stay alert, be prepared and watch out for one another!

Reminder: This blog's content is determined by Tanya Ishikawa, and any views expressed are her own, not officially approved or supported by the city of Federal Heights or the City Council.