Mrs. Roper and Mr. Smith will share their unique experiences as victim survivors of violent crime.

Mr. Smith will present his perspectives on what happened to his son and his family, and what he has done and can do to help others like him. He will talk about the people who came into his life at the time of his son’s murder and the impact they had on him and his family. He will describe his personal struggle to find his “New Normal.” He will share with the group how “the power of knowledge empowers you, can comfort you, direct and start you on the road to healing,” and his efforts to get the message out about some of the most misunderstood people in our country: victims of crime.

Roberta Roper will present an overview of her experiences over the past twenty-six years as a victim survivor, advocate, and service provider. By remembering our past, celebrating our achievements and preparing for our new challenges, Mrs. Roper will demonstrate how far the victims’ movement has progressed and help empower us to keep the promise for true victim justice.