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Voice of the Victim...Too Often Unheard

12/20/2015

4 Comments

 
by Sean Aylward

 Over the last few months I’ve come to realize, victims are being left behind,  while their offender becomes the focus. Headlines scream their names and shine a spotlight on what they’ve done, and hide the victim deep within the story.

​In recent weeks, I’ve asked news reporters to recognize the victim in their coverage of a high profile case. Simply using a (#)hashtag with her name would help commemorate her. We must remember the innocent, we owe it to her and her family. This simple action reminds readers that there is a victim here amidst the horrific details of the case, and she must never be forgotten.
Earlier this month I attended a support group meeting, a potluck holiday celebration. The group is called P.O.M.C. parents of murdered children. How sad it is to attend these meetings, the requirement of membership is the last thing on earth anyone wants to experience. Even more sad, this is a national group.

 I was seated next to a chaplain who works at a local correctional facility. Ironic right? I thought so too, to say I was skeptical would be an understatement. Clearly we’d have different opinions, but I was respectful and cordial. Naturally I quickly steered our conversation to victims, not inmates. After a few minutes, he made a statement that has lingered in my thoughts since. He said “victims are often forgotten by the state because the crime is viewed as a crime against the state, not a crime against a victim”. So they simply broke the law, all they are is lawbreakers. When really, they’re predators, master manipulators and killers. I must remind you, this is not his opinion, just his observation from his position as a state employee. He followed this statement with “ it’s up to you to remind them of the victim, be their voice, bring them back to the conversation”. This statement couldn't be more true.

  I’ve found, when I tell Beth’s story face to face, the impact is much greater. It’s no longer words on a page. It’s a real story with a real victim and real survivors. High profile cases should commemorate the victim, and shun the offender. We must not lose sight of the innocent victims. Remember, they did not chose to be a victim.

4 Comments
Sue Beaudet
12/20/2015 16:55:12

Sean, how true that it is the crime that gets all the attention, and not the victims. When did society become that barbaric? Or is it just that the victim is too painful to think about? Maybe focusing on the shock value of the crime is easier, because we can just thank God that it wasn't us. Your family is always in my thoughts.

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Marion Hodges
12/20/2015 17:21:26

Well said , Sean. We need to continue to keep the victims names on the forefront. She was a beautiful young girl taken too soon and deserves so much more.

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Gerry Vass
12/20/2015 18:23:38

Great job on getting your point across and driving home the message that victims cannot be left behind. It is very important that they are not forgotten and that there are vital stories from impacted families and friends that need to be told and heard. I am very proud of your progress and not backing down to change legislation and sentencing guidelines while telling Beth's story. I was great to finally meet you and your wife yesterday. Happy holidays and please let me know if there is anything you need from me. I am always up for another social media campaign to tell Beth's and other victims stories to the world.

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Sharon Scott
12/21/2015 03:47:08

I am totally with you Sean. i am Miranda's mother and will never forget the night I learned what horrified really meant. Anything I can do to work with you and for Beth and the cause to help get justice for ALL victims like beautiful Beth I am at your service. Thank you for all you do for the cause. Respectfully, Sharon Scott

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    The Justice for Beth Brodie team is a determined group of individuals fighting for Beth's rights.  

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