Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby on Monday discussed her office’s efforts to help victims and witnesses of violent crimes.
At a news conference, Mosby announced new partnerships that will expand support services for crime victims and witnesses. The announcement comes on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
“The criminal justice system is ineffective without the trust and cooperation of victims and witnesses of crime, which is why we are committed to ensuring both victims and witnesses feel supported and protected throughout the judicial process and beyond,” Mosby said in a news release. “We live in the home of witness intimidation, therefore it is important for my office to provide as many resources as possible to those who bravely come forward and help us seek justice.”
New partnerships and services include:
– Partnership with Springboard Community Services whose case managers work with individuals who have been affected by crimes
– Expand existing collaboration with Lifebridge Health Center for Hope to incorporate the Sinai Hospital-based Violence Response Team
– Continued support with UMD ROAR (Rebuild, Overcome, and Rise Center) to refer survivors of non-fatal gunshots to their Peer Healing Circles
Baltimore has seen an increase in crime this year. Homicides are up by 9% and non-fatal shootings are up by 25% compared to last year, according to the state attorney’s office.
Mosby was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of perjury related to a COVID-19 financial hardship withdrawal and a false statement on a loan application in January. A jury trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 19.
