Victims' Voices: Reshaping NYC's Justice System

New York City without Rikers Island. That's the plan, and it's time to listen to who matters most: crime victims. A new report shows that most survivors want support, not just punishment. They want people struggling with mental health and addiction to get help in secure facilities, not jails. And they want trials to happen faster, so everyone can move forward. Rikers is dangerous, costly, and doesn't help victims heal. It costs a whopping $507, 000 per person per year just to keep someone there. Meanwhile, victims aren't getting the help they need. Only 6% of violent crime victims get compensation, and only a third get mental health counseling. Victims often feel disconnected from the justice system. They don't trust law enforcement and fear being hurt again. New York City and State have a chance to change this. They can create a system that listens to victims and helps them heal. Safe Horizon, a nonprofit helping victims, knows this. They work with victims, not just for them. They help victims choose their own path to safety and healing. Now, it's time for New York's justice system to do the same.