Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office crime victim’s walk canceled - but not the speakers

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Attorneys at the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office are hoping to raise awareness about crime victims.

They were looking to host a crime walk, but that was canceled because of weather.

The walk was supposed to start at Traverse City’s historic courthouse and end at the open space.

Instead, people were invited into the basement of the Governmental Building to listen to speakers from law enforcement, local crime survivors and the prosecutor’s office.

The theme of this year’s walk was “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.”

Leaders said it’s a call to action to create safe environments where crime victims can share their experiences.

Assistant prosecutor Kyle Attwood said court cases are often focused on offenders.

“Victims are often the forgotten individuals that have to navigate the system. Oftentimes without a whole lot of support, a defendant’s going to have an attorney involved. Victims are sort of left to their own devices and have to navigate a very complex, oftentimes difficult and traumatizing experience when they are put on the stand and cross-examined,” said Attwood.

This was the second year the prosecutor’s office has held the event.