CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Federal, state and local advocates of crime victims’ rights joined together Friday for a 5K Walk/Run for Justice in Charleston.
The event started at Haddad Riverfront Park and stretched down the Kanawha Boulevard to the state Capitol.
Kimberly Eagle, crime victims specialist with the Charleston Police Department, said it’s important to raise awareness for victims of crime in the area.
“After the crime, they really need to know that there’s still support. People out in the community that think about what they’ve been through and are here to help them recover after what is the most traumatic event that they’ve had in their life,” she said.
Service providers, law enforcement officials, the Army National Guard and others were hand for Friday’s event.
Domestic violence and sexual assault are among the top issues Eagle said the police department deals with.
Signs with crime statistics were placed on the sidewalk along the Boulevard to teach people about the issue.
“It’s an educational component too to a beautiful day of fun to really draw awareness to people that sometimes don’t think about the amount of crime or types of crime that are around them — how to be aware of your surroundings, prevention, how to reach out to your neighbor,” she said.
Resource and service materials were provided to participants.
The top three finishers in both men’s and women’s divisions received awards. The Spirit Award was presented to the team with the most participants.