Crime Victim Issues Discussed on Southern Tier Close Up

A number of issues facing victims of crime and those who support them are being discussed by Crime Victims Assistance Center Director Raini Baudendistle on the weekly, local public affairs program Southern Tier Close Up.

Baudendistle has been the director of the local agency for over ten years and says one of the biggest changes and challenges she sees over the years is dealing with cyber-bullying and other forms of technology-driven crime.  She adds legislation and the law are not keeping up with online postings, texts and even information from apps that could provide predators with the location and activities of vulnerable members of society.

Crime Victims Rights Week is April 8-13 with the annual display of the memorial wall for local homicide victims, a legislative breakfast with keynote speaker New York State Senator Fred Akshar, who was in local law enforcement for years before recently being elected to the State Senate, and a ceremony honoring those impacted by crime, which will be held at Otsiningo Park.

Baudendistle also discusses the issue of domestic violence, which often escalates from a fairly minor incident to more serious attacks and even murder.  The CVAC director says she has met with Broome County's new attorney tasked exclusively with low-level domestic violence cases and is impressed with his desire to be a member of the community and openly discuss the issue.

More information about the Crime Victims Assistance Center can be found online at www.cvac.us or by calling the office at (607) 723-3200.

Southern Tier Close Up is heard Sunday at 6am on 99.1 The Whale.