Ceremony honors advances in victims' rights

A color guard passes in front of a panel on hand Thursday to recognize National Crime Victims' Rights Week on the south lawn of the Capitol.
A color guard passes in front of a panel on hand Thursday to recognize National Crime Victims' Rights Week on the south lawn of the Capitol.

Advocacy groups joined state officials in recognizing the ongoing efforts to help victims of crime.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week was recognized Thursday on the south lawn of the Capitol with the theme "Reshaping the Future and Honoring the Past."

"We have come a long way in 30 years," Gov. Jay Nixon told the crowd. "We have seen funding for domestic violence shelters come about along with continued efforts to fight drunk driving. Now efforts are taking place to do more for domestic violence victims and curtail human trafficking. Your speaking out for your loved ones does make a difference."

Attorney General Chris Koster said he's pleased it appears the first significant changes in more than 30 years to the domestic violence laws in Missouri have a good chance of occurring thanks to a task force he convened to study the crime.