Calipatria State Prison holds ceremony dedicated to victims of crime
It was supposed to be a memorable day for Judith Klein-Pritchard and her daughter at the happiest place on earth. But her life turned upside down when she got the phone call no one ever wants to receive.
“Everything went dark for me. I didn’t hear anything. I didn’t see anything. Just the beating of my heart. My daughter took me and sat me down and held me,” said Klein-Pritchard
Judith had just found out her aunt and uncle had been murdered while attending services at a synagogue in Pittsburgh last October.
Judith, who has been an advocate for domestic abuse victims at the Woman Haven in El Centro, never thought something like this could happen to her. She didn’t know how to come to terms with the tragedy.
Klein-Pritchard said, “I didn’t know what to do. Me. Who’s work with victims for so many years. I didn’t know what to do.”
With the rise in crimes in Imperial County, the district attorney’s office began a 24-hour domestic violence response team to provide help for victims of crimes.
Melissa Lopez-Moore, Imperial County District Attorney’s Witness Assistance Program Director, explained more on the many programs they offer.
“Counseling services. If they’re in need of relocation assistance, transportation. Those are all things we can provide. We also do it in conjunction with filing for California Victims Compensation Board applications in the event that there is a death-related instance. Due to domestic violence or any type of crime,” said Lopez-Moore.
The Calipatria State Prison provides a program to give victims and their families a voice.
Ernesto Bustamante, Public Information Officer for the Calipatria State Prison, said, “We’re going to acknowledge the victims that live in our communities. And we’re going to provide any assistance or help with providing assistance and direction.”
Judith said she’s thankful for all the support she received from friends and loved ones.
“People will reach out to you and you need to accept that. Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t feel guilty. You need that,” said Klein-Pritchard.
Judith hopes that by sharing her story other victims can begin sharing theirs and take the first steps to become a survivor.
