When tragedies hit, many victims may feel hopeless or may not know how to cope with what just happened.
But a special program in Summit County wants people to know that it is here for anyone who needs that extra help.
The Victim Assistance Program started in 1972, when help was nonexistent for crime and trauma victims. In response to the overwhelming need, Capt. John Cunningham, Stella Long, Richard Kinsinger and Robert Denton came together to form the program. Formalizing services in 1974 under Denton’s leadership, Victim Assistance pioneered services from the crime scene through the criminal justice system, in a collaboration with police, prosecutors and the courts.
The program has offices in Akron, Stow and Barberton and a space in the detective bureau at the Akron Police Department. The program is open 24 hours, seven days a week and has a hotline.
Leanne Graham, the current president and CEO, says victim advocates meet people where they are at.