COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Almost five and a half years ago, The Justice League of Ohio began providing legal assistance to crime victims including direct representation during criminal proceedings. Recently a drop in federal and corporate funding could be forcing it out-of-business. What was once a busy office is now just a shell waiting for new owners. Cathering Harper-Lee is the Executive Director of the Justice League. She was once too a victim of crime and that led her to want to help others.
For Harper-Lee, her experienced pushed her to help other victims have their voice heard during the judicial process. The Justice League would inform victims of their rights to information, including conferring with prosecutors and being present during the trial. To-date, Harper-Lee and the staff of three attorneys have successfully represented 700 victims. NBC 4’s Candice Lee spoke with Melinda Dunn today who says her daughter was a victim of crime. A crime child protective services didn’t believe took place. Dunn found out about the Justice League watching public television. They became Dunn’s voice in the justice system.
The Justice League needs $525 thousand annually to operate; Harper-Lee is hoping for federal stimulus dollars to help. The Justice League of Ohio is hosting a fundraising event on April 18, hosted by The Downtown/Powell Sertoma Organization. Organizers hope to raise enough money as they wait to see if they qualify for federal stimulus dollars.
Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket for the event can do so at www.powellsertoma.org.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
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