ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois - Jay T. Carr, executive director, Army Contracting Command-Rock Island, joined several Rock Island Arsenal leaders in attending the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Proclamation Ceremony, held in Heritage Hall, April 4.

The event, sponsored by the Rock Island Arsenal SHARP office and the Quad Cities Crime Victims' Rights Week Committee, was hosted by Col. Kenneth Tauke, RIA Garrison commander.

Alison Foley, a Davenport resident, served as the keynote speaker. During her speech, Foley recounted her rape and the physical and mental toll that abuse has taken on her, as well as her experience with the legal system in prosecuting her perpetrator. She also stated that she is healing from her abuse by speaking out publicly about it.

Sgt. 1st Class Joycelyn Clinton, with the RIA Sexual Harassment/Assault response and Prevention Office, read the 2017 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Proclamation, prior to Carr and other leaders signing the document.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week 2017 is April 2-8, and provides the opportunity to empower victims of crimes by ensuring they are aware of their rights and available services, while enhancing the response of law enforcement and medical professionals who assist victims.