Pocono News Section

Crime Victims' Rights and Resources

Crime Victims' Rights and Resources - Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 7:19PM EST

BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY -- For nearly 30 years, the nation, and people in our area have observed "National Crime Victims' Rights Week." While it wraps up this weekend, local officials want crime victims to know they have resources available all year round.
We spoke with Frances Fraley, the victim witness coordinator in Columbia County. While she helps victims of all crimes, we focused on victims of sex offenders.

One of the most notorious sex offender cases in the area focuses on former Berwick crossing guard Dale Hutchings. He'll never be free again, because someone came forward. Fraley, and other victim witness coordinators around the state, can find help for victims of sex crimes.

"I can refer them to agencies in our area that can help them, whether it be some therapy, or anything else they might need," said Fraley. "We try to restore victims to their pre-crime status. Does it always happen? No, but they can at least move forwards and see justice served."

Former Bucknell University professor, Jack Harclerode, was sentenced earlier this year for groping the grandson of one of his friends. That investigation led police to even more potential victims, as well as child pornography. Fraley credits the victim for coming forward, which helped others do the same. Fraley says victims have many options for anonymous help.

"We have our police departments, we have Beyond Violence, we have The Womens' Center," said Fraley.

Officials say the more victims who come forward, the harsher the sentences for convicted sex offenders.

"I'd tell a victim to go to someone they feel safe with. I really really stress someone they feel safe with," said Fraley. "Just start talking, just start there."

Fraley says it's tough for some victims to come forward and encourages parents to go to their children and ask if they've ever been assaulted.