Spotlight on CCSO Victims Services Coordinator
Charles County Sheriff Rex W. Coffey said the men and women of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office will be supporting events honoring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) beginning this Sunday, April 21. “We care about crime victims and support all of the efforts being made to improve their rights,” said Sheriff Coffey.
Allison Murphy, the Victim Services Coordinator for the CCSO, said the agency will participate in a candlelight vigil being held at the court house in La Plata on Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. to honor those who have been victimized.
In addition, during crime victims’ week, the Sheriff’s Office will post facts on the agency’s Facebook page citing information regarding crime and victims. The information – provided by the founders of the NCVRW – gives perspective on crime victims. Murphy said she hopes the posts draw attention and raise awareness to crime victims’ needs. “Crime can have an immense impact on personal welfare. Sharing these posts reminds victims we are here for them,” said Murphy.
Nationwide, more than 18.7 million people are directly harmed by crime every year and, according to the Office for Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice, fewer than 20 percent of victims receive services they need.
Murphy, a seven-year veteran of the CCSO, has worked as the Victim Services Coordinator for five years. She provides support to crime victims or others affected a by a traumatic event by utilizing programs and resources within Charles County, the state of Maryland, and the surrounding area. “I assist people by making sure they are connected to the proper service providers and I work to help restore their losses when possible,” said Murphy.
Murphy has attended training sessions designed to enhance her communication skills with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and child abuse. In addition, she has attended workshops on handling critical incident stress management.
In the last year, Murphy has assisted many families including those related to the shooting on Hampshire Circle; a traffic fatality involving a three-year-old boy; the recent accidental death of a three-year-old girl, and a recent double fatal car crash. “Allison has been a great resource to our agency and our community,” said Sheriff Coffey. “She is a kind, caring, and compassionate person who is dedicated to helping people.”
The first Crime Victims&r
