Free informative talk for victims of violent crime who are navigating the justice system
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Wed, 11/07/2018 - 2:42pm
My name is Colleen Bannister and I was a victim of a violent crime. I am sending this follow up letter in response to the many people that reached out to me either through Carson Now or on Facebook because of the first letter.
I was overwhelmed by your compassion and willingness to share your stories with me. This is an invitation to victims, their family and friends and anyone that wants to learn about what justice looks like through the eyes of a victim. I am not a lawyer, counselor, or a victims advocate. I do not have a degree in criminology or law enforcement. My knowledge comes from experience not from a book.
I know what it feels like to be given advice and referrals by others with good intentions but no real understanding of the short comings of certain resources. How could they know? We are on different sides of the fence with the same goal though so if we want to make things better for ourselves and others we need to combine their knowledge with our experience. Please know I say this only after my frustration, anger, and defeat led me to be proactive.
Don't think for one minute I think what is happening to us in the system is ok, but we need to climb up this mountain reaching down and pulling each other up with every step. I know what it's like to shut down because you can see that look in people's eyes and you know instantly they just don't get it.
As a victim having gone through the system I can share the things I wish I would have known, the things I learned, and the things I did wrong. I will be speaking on November 13th at 5:30pm. This free event will take place at 6Weekworkout Studio in Carson City. 3476 Executive Pointe Way. Suite 14. Space is limited so please RSVP by calling or texting 775-790-9679 or email-cobanni@msn.com
If you have chosen or were forced by an eminent threat to involve the police you have entered a world that you think will be like what you see on television. I really wish someone would have prepared me for the reality of the situation so that I didn't put myself in more danger, believe I was safe, believe our written laws would automatically be followed and think it would all be over soon.
I am not going to be giving legal advice as I am not a lawyer. I will share information you may not know and is readily available on the internet. I will share what knowledge I learned from going through the process. I will share what mistakes I made looking back on it and what actions served me.
I will share my thoughts on coping with the disappointments of court, the reactions of friends and family, and the loss of the life you had before you entered this maze that never ends. I will discuss some of the issues with helping agencies and what you can do to help yourself.
My goal is not to bash the system, other people or even the resources out there. My goal is to prepare you and your family and friends to work with what you have and go in with your eyes wide open so you are not feeling defeated over and over again. My biggest goal is to teach you how to be your own advocate.
