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Article published Apr 19, 2004
City bows head in Day of Prayer for crime
victims
BENNY LEE SMITH
Staff
Writer
Time doesn't always lessen the pain for a victim of violent
crime. Years later it still can be a haunting memory.The Spartanburg Public
Safety Department's Victim Assistance staff, however, wants people to know they
don't have to suffer alone.On Tuesday, the staff is holding the seventh annual
Day of Prayer at noon in the front parking lot of City Hall."It's important for
victims to know that we have not forgotten them or the things that they have
gone through," said City Victim Advocate Joni Phillips. "Every time there is a
holiday, it brings back memories of their loved one who they are missing."In the
past, the city's victim assistance program has had little or no funds to promote
the Day of Prayer. Staff members had to rely on donated advertising space, word
of mouth and news stories to inform the public about the event.This year,
however, they received help in the form of a $5,000 grant from the U.S.
Department of Justice."We never have been able to afford a billboard or pay for
ads," Phillips said. "But now we have these things as other ways to make people
aware of our event."Spartanburg's grant application was selected out of almost
400, according to John Gillis, director of the Department of Justice's Office
for Victim's of Crime.The money also will help pay for food, a speaker and any
other overhead costs associated with the program.Tuesday's event will include
music from the Salvation Army Band and presentation of the colors by the
Spartanburg Public Safety Department Honor Guard. The guest speaker will be
South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster.The public is invited to the free
event that will be followed by a luncheon."Anytime we can come together to pray
and ask for God's guidance, it's my belief that we should take that
opportunity," Phillips said.In addition to informing people about the
event,Phillips said the money would promote community awareness that a victim
assistance program exists.In 1996, Phillips was one of the first victim
advocates hired by the city department.Since then, victims have received
support. Advocates have sat with them during various court hearings and also
explained certain procedures to them."It's always easier when you have been
victimized to have someone there with you who knows the court system," Phillips
said.City victim advocates also lead a support group once a month where victims
can talk to others who have gone through similar situations.For more information
about the city's victim assistance program, call Phillips or Debbie Shehan at
596-2067.Benny Lee Smith can be reached at 562-7214 or benny.smith@shj.com.