The week of April 23-27 is National Crime Victims’ Week. My wife and I lost our daughter, Kimberly, to a serial killer in 1985. The loss of a child is always devastating, but to lose a child to a senseless crime of violence is particularly hard to endure.

While our struggle with a reluctant criminal justice system was time-consuming and often heart-breaking, many survivors are still struggling to obtain even a modicum of justice. Most people are unaware that the accused have 23 rights granted by our Constitution, 15 by amendment alone.

Victims and their survivors have none.

Even though some states have statutes and constitutional amendments, the rights of victims are always trumped by the rights of defendants guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

As survivors of murder victims, we do not ask that the rights of the accused be curtailed, but we are asking that victims have recognition in that same Constitution.

A bipartisan constitutional amendment guaranteeing specific victims’ rights is currently before the United States Senate, due for debate and action. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins not only favor the amendment, but are co-sponsors, and President George W. Bush has called it “the right thing to do.” Congressmen Allen and Michaud are not yet on record as either for or against the House version, but survivors in Maine remain hopeful of their support.

The pro-active involvement of our congressional delegation and the good citizens of the great state of Maine is necessary.
C.J. Bob LaVine, Norway

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