MEMPHIS - Inside the Mark Luttrell Correctional Center (MLCC), inmates spend time understanding the impact of their crimes on victims. This week, they will take part in activities to raise awareness of victims’ rights. The Tennessee Department of Correction and the victims' rights group, You have the Power, have joined to sponsor a “No More Victims” walk.
The walk is the first of its kind in Tennessee to focus attention on victims’ rights, and the importance of working with offenders to change behavior and reduce recidivism. Inmates at all TDOC facilities including MLCC, the West Tennessee State Penitentiary and the Northwest Correctional Complex will show their support through fund-raising walks within their facilities and other activities including educational programs.
“Exposing offenders to the traumatic effects of victimization can be an important breakthrough in their rehabilitation,” said MLCC Warden Sharon Taylor.
On September 27, inmates and staff at Mark Luttrell will donate the money raised from their walk to the group, Victims to Victory. The organization has been conducting victim impact classes at the facility for over 5 years. Dr. Katherine Lawson, Executive Director of Victims to Victory said, “Women are encouraged to think about the lasting impact of their bad decisions on victims and their families, on the community and on their very own loved ones.”
According to TDOC Victims Services Director Sheryl DeMott, “Victim impact classes are powerful for the inmates but they are empowering for the victims.”'
The walk at Mark Luttrell will begin at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, September 27, 2010. The media is invited to attend.