Several events will be held this week to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Buchanan County.

Debbie Wells is a Paralegal with the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office, which is sponsoring the events this week. Wells said Missouri was one of the first states to have crime victims’ rights put into their constitution.

“It’s only the right thing to do that they be allowed to be in court hearings, that they be notified of court hearings, that they have a say in their case where at least you can have a discussion with who is handling your case on the prosecution end and that, at sentencing of a defendant, you have the right to come in and speak to the judge and tell them what you would like to see happen,” Wells said. “It’s always been important to us and so, during this one week during the year, when…things are going on regarding crime victims and everyone is recognizing this throughout the nation, we want to do our part too.”

As part of the week, on Tuesday, the Northwest Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center will be holding a pinwheel event in front of the courthouse. Wells said pinwheels will be displayed to represent every abused child in Missouri last year.

Other events during the week include a balloon release on Wednesday to honor homicide victims, the annual Crime Victims’ Rights breakfast on Friday and a dance recital on Saturday to raise funds for the Northwest Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center.

For more information on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week events, contact the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office at (816) 271-1481  or visit the Children’s Advocacy Center Facebook page.