The Department of Corrections is stepping up efforts to help crime victims. DOC Secretary Matt Frank says those rights a major concern in the state criminal justice system. Over 22,000 inmates are currently in prison and over 72,000 former prisoners are back in the community, so Frank says there's a major concern about the hundreds of thousands of victims who are living among them.
Frank hopes a new Crime Victims Advisory Committee will help to protect their rights. The panel is made up of several groups that already advocate on behalf of victims. The Secretary says he's looking forward to drawing on their expertise.
Governor Doyle has declared April 22-28 as Crime Victims Rights Week.
