PHX Reporter

The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which runs from April 6 to April 12, emphasizing the support provided to crime victims in accessing court information and connecting with necessary resources. The branch, including the Superior Court and Juvenile and Adult Probation departments, is committed to offering services beyond this week, focusing on year-round support.

Employees in the branch are responsible for various duties such as managing victim notifications, providing case updates, assisting with paperwork, informing victims of their rights, and connecting them with resources like counseling and financial aid.

Lizbeth Saldana Urbieta, a Juvenile Probation Department Victims' Rights Coordinator, expressed the significance of working with crime victims. She stated, "Working with victims of crime is deeply meaningful to me because it allows me to make a direct, positive impact on individuals’ lives during their most vulnerable moments." Urbieta added that providing respect and empathy is crucial, and witnessing victims gain confidence is rewarding.

Urbieta and her team are set to receive the Service Coordination Award from the Office of the Arizona Attorney General for their role in establishing comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approaches in serving crime victims. Urbieta noted, "Receiving this award was unexpected, but it is deeply appreciated as a recognition of the hard work and dedication of not only myself but also for the unit."

The theme for this year's National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is "KINSHIP," which underscores the importance of placing shared humanity at the center of support for survivors and crime victims.

Nicole Garcia, the Criminal Department Administrator, emphasized the inclusion of victims in court processes. Garcia explained, "Every day, every court calendar begins with the reading of the victims’ rights court advisement," and noted that victims have the opportunity to address the court during certain hearings.

The Superior Court makes efforts to accommodate victims' needs, such as providing private rooms, remote attendance options for hearings, accommodating service animals, and offering daily hearings for orders of protection.

Efforts have been made to consider victims' rights in the design of court facilities, such as traffic patterns that minimize interactions with defendants. The Criminal Presiding Judge serves on the Arizona Supreme Court Committee on Victims in the Court, supporting legislation that allows victims to obtain lifetime injunctions for certain crimes.

For further information on the Judicial Branch's victim support services in Maricopa County, individuals are encouraged to visit the Victim Services Agencies through the Maricopa County Superior Courts.