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Giddings State School hosts Victim Impact Panel

GIDDINGS, Texas -- The term victim can suggest helplessness, but victims of crimes turned that into empowerment during a commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 7-13 at the Giddings State School.

Members of the Victim Impact Panel, a group of volunteers from across Texas who use their st
ories to help others understand the lasting impact victims sustain, visited the school and talked with the youth in custody. The volunteers held discussions and question-and-answer sessions with the young men in their dorms, raising awareness about how victims suffer, long after a crime has occurred.

The event kicked off with a candle light vigil service that concluded with a balloon release.

“Overall, Giddings State School has made a commitment to highlight the strength of the victim and provide support because the victim does matter,” said Jorge Gonzalez, facility superintendent.
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