Crime victims get chance to be heard

Crime victims often suffer in silence, but Georgia’s State Board of Pardons and Paroles is offering them a chance to air their concerns.

Victims Visitors’ Day is scheduled for Oct. 13, at Central Georgia Technical College, 54 Ga. 22 in Milledgeville.

Beginning at 10 a.m., victims can meet with a parole board member to discuss the crime and the offender’s parole status.

“These meetings provide valuable insight for board members,” Chairman Terry Barnard stated in a news release. “Our board will continue to protect the rights of victims and ensure they have the opportunity to engage us.”

Crime victims who have not registered with the Georgia Office of Victim Services can do so at the event so they can receive notices from the board concerning the offender.

Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Stephen Bradley welcomes the event.

“Serving victims is what we do each and every day,” Bradley stated in the release. “Our office is here to represent the victim.”

Since beginning the Victims Visitors’ Day in 2006, the board has met with more than 3,000 victims and family members.

To schedule an appointment with a board member, call 404-651-9701 or 800-593-9474.

This story was originally published September 22, 2016 at 11:02 AM with the headline "Crime victims get chance to be heard."