The events of the last 72 hours have left us reeling. So much carnage, so much fear. Justice, broken down into bite sized pieces, can sometimes feel so close within reach. The death penalty stopped here, more healing services there. And then we are confronted with these big moments that remind us how inadequate bite-sized… Continue reading The last 72 hours: a message from EJUSA Executive Director Shari Silberstein
Tag: Victims’ Families
Sign on for families of homicide victims
Dawn Mancarella, a member of EJUSA’s Crime Survivor Network, put out a special appeal today for family members of murder victims to sign on to suspend use of the death penalty in a key Florida county. If you’ve lost a family member to murder, read Dawn’s letter below and consider taking action. If you know of… Continue reading Sign on for families of homicide victims
Recommended this week
“Recommended this week” features highlights from the past week in news about the death penalty, crime survivors, and trauma-informed responses to crime. Letter from Jack The Reverend Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., Facebook A beautiful message in reaction to last weekend’s tragedy in Orlando from our friend and the Executive Director at Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation. Delaware Supreme… Continue reading Recommended this week
Victim services dollars start going to communities in need
The Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches (LAM) is building a network of local churches and community groups to provide trauma-informed services to African-American, Latino, and immigrant crime survivors in South Los Angeles. And now, for the first time, they are receiving federal VOCA funds – funds earmarked for victims services – in order to carry out… Continue reading Victim services dollars start going to communities in need
Ta-Nehisi Coates on a possible death sentence in Charleston church
In June 2015, Dylann Roof allegedly killed nine African Americans in a mass shooting in a black church in Charleston last year. The families of the victims responded to the tragedy with powerful messages of forgiveness. Now, the DOJ has declared it wants to execute Roof for the crime, even though his death by lethal… Continue reading Ta-Nehisi Coates on a possible death sentence in Charleston church
Building a justice system rooted in healing
EJUSA is thrilled to be featured in a new publication, “A Handbook for Jewish Communities Fighting Mass Incarceration,” by the Jewish human rights organization, T’ruah. The Handbook is a comprehensive guide for action from a Jewish perspective. It contains background information on various aspects of mass incarceration, from what happens when police stop people on the streets, to… Continue reading Building a justice system rooted in healing
Increasing access to help for crime survivors – where it’s most needed
This week is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The theme this year is Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope., which highlights the need for early intervention and victims services that build trust with crime survivors, and creates hope that healing is possible. We’ve been working with crime survivors for over 10 years. And what we’ve… Continue reading Increasing access to help for crime survivors – where it’s most needed
Violence & crime victims’ trauma are a public health issue: A new message for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Apply public health values to a broken criminal justice system Contact: Jon Crane Phone/Email 203-982-4575 jon@criticalpr.com Sunday April 10th will mark the start of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 10-16) and this year’s theme – Serving Victims, Building Trust, Restoring Hope – is intended to highlight the need for victims services that will promote… Continue reading Violence & crime victims’ trauma are a public health issue: A new message for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Another Family harmed by murder and the fight over the death penalty
Shelby Farah was a bright, compassionate, determined 20-year-old when she was shot to death during a robbery at the Metro-PCS store where she worked. Shelby’s murder shocked the community in Jacksonville, Florida, and her family has spent the last two and a half years grieving their loss. The death penalty has added to this trauma,… Continue reading Another Family harmed by murder and the fight over the death penalty
Honoring victims, calling for a system that heals
On September 25, in honor of National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, I spent time reaching out to several family members of murder victims. Some survivors shared the traditions they have developed over the years to mark the day, including visiting burial grounds or viewing commemorative videos and photographs. Others told me that the… Continue reading Honoring victims, calling for a system that heals