In an ideal world, there wouldn’t be a need for organizations such as the Indian River County Victims’ Rights Coalition. But as many of the attendees at a recent inaugural Dinner Dance and Silent Auction fundraiser at the Heritage Center can attest, the assistance they provide to victims of crime is essential in those worst of times.
The Coalition works closely with the victim advocates under the direction of Lane Frye in the Victim Services and Sexual Assault Assistance program of the State Attorney’s Office, as well as with victim advocates from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Advocates give victims a voice; offering assistance and walking them through the prosecution process.
“We get all the crime reports every day, and then we reach out to everyone by phone or letter, telling them ways we can help them,” said IRCSO Victim Assistance Coordinator Laura Saputo.
“We work with them once it gets to the State Attorney’s Office,” said Treasure Coast Sexual Assault Program Manager Julie Stoyka. “They always have someone they can talk to.”
“My condolences to all those in the audience who have lost family members and who have been seriously affected by these life changing events; I feel your pain,” said Coalition President Paul Zelno. “Today we celebrate their lives and turn our sorrows and tragedies into deeds that can soften the loss for others who follow.”
Zelno knows first-hand what it is like to be a victim of a crime, having twice experienced the catastrophic consequences of someone else’s heartless actions. His wife Donna was tragically killed in 2007 when the car they were in was hit in broad daylight by a drunk driver. He acknowledged both Sheriff Deryl Loar and attorney Erin Grall for their help in dealing with that tragedy.
He was also burglarized and the intruders had broken the locks to his home, but added, “Fortunately, I had the means to provide for alternate housing until I could secure my home. Many victims of crime do not have the same advantage. The money we raise is to help victims of crime who find themselves in an unfortunate situation.”
Victims frequently need money right away, as in the case of a woman needing a safe place to stay when fleeing an abusive partner. Frye said that in one unusual case, they purchased a large dog from the Humane Society for a woman who was frightened after having been attacked in her home.
In addition to a mouth-watering dinner from Herbeque Bar-B-Que and dancing to the music of Jerry and the Dolls, a silent auction of donated items had been coordinated by board member Diane Chazotte helped raise additional funds.
“I would like each of you in attendance to know that by your participation, contributions and involvement today you are providing the means for victims of crime who do not have a place to lay their head at night, or means to deal with the trauma of the loss of a loved one or valuable resources,” said Zelno.
