GOSHEN COUNTY – “You have the right to remain silent,” is something of course any perpetrator knows all too well.

Yes indeed the rights of those being accused is intricately important here in the United States. You have the right to remain silent, you have the right to an attorney, you have the right to a speedy trial and you are innocent until proven guilty just to name a few.

Ensuring that anyone accused of anything is innocent until proven guilty, is of course a valuable component when it comes to the rule of law.

For anyone who has ever had the privilege to witness our legal process take its course, you would understand that it takes time, effort and perseverance by all involved.

With rights ensured to those being accused, do we ever stop and think about what those who have been victimized have to go through? Perhaps many would agree that this may have been neglected for nearly two and a half centuries when it came to the rights of a victim of unlawful behavior.

Someone who has been victimized by another’s poor decision is deeply effected in astronomical ways. Finances, physical well-being, emotions, and mental health are all felt when someone finds themself the victim of a crime.

Whether it be a vehicular accident, assault, vandalism, theft or murder the effects are going to be received ten-fold by the individual(s) who had become a target.

If one were to quietly walk up the outside steps of the Goshen County Courthouse, they would find a quiet peaceful little office just to their left upon entry.

In that office they would see two individuals hard and busy at their work, doing everything within their power to see that victims right here in Goshen County are very well taken care of.

Donna Duncan, a 24 year veteran of the office along with partner, Cruz Flores, have taken on the rare and sometimes taxing responsibility of working for Goshen County Victim’s Assistance (GCVA).

According to Duncan, the work is always about lifting someone back up during the worst times of their life.

With all things considered, more people should be aware of the office’s existence.

“Victims don’t usually know we are here,” Duncan began. “Usually we make first contact with them to let them know we are here, then we assure them that we will give them more information as their case proceeds through the criminal justice system. We answer any questions for them, or get them to people who can answer their questions. We go to court with them, or for them. They don’t always have to be there because we are always there. It’s hard on them because they want to be at every hearing, but sometimes they can’t take off work. Things tend to change very quickly on the court calendars. They come whenever they can, but myself and Cruz are always there for them.”

A former educator for many years at the St. Rose Catholic Church, Duncan recalled making the change from teaching spiritual wellness to children, to working with people having the worst possible life experiences.

“The job I had was co-coordinator of religious education at St. Rose for 21 years,” Duncan continued. “My partner and I both retired from that, and so the question was, ‘What are we going to do now?’ Dick Fulmer was the first director over here, and he had a position open. And I thought to myself, ‘You know what I would like to do? I would like to help people.’ So I applied, and Mr. Fulmer became my teacher for what it is to be an advocate for victims of crime. I love helping people. We see them at their very worst when a crime has just happened, and get to be with them as their case goes forward. They see justice being served. The best part is when they come back and visit the office long after their case has been resolved, and you see that they’ve made it through. They are happier and are able to get on with their lives. They have found a place, and the crime didn’t take everything away from them.”

A local Torrington High School and Eastern Wyoming College grad, Flores initially had aspirations of working in law enforcement. A chance meeting however with Duncan changed his career path for years to come.

“When I was going to college I had a criminal justice major,” Flores said. “So I was working on all my classes, and a friend brought me into this office. I met Donna, and she gave me a shot to get my feet wet here. It was very eye opening to be involved in the system, and not just learning about it in books. There’s a whole lot the books don’t tell you that truly goes on in the criminal justice system. We get here, we have to go through reports and see if we have any case victims. Then we open them up and start getting in contact with people. We represent victims of any crimes that we have. Donna and I both try to make contact with both law enforcement agencies, and county attorney offices on a daily basis just to stay informed.”

According to Flores despite the constant anger and sadness he has to witness each day, he wouldn’t have it any other way if it means helping another person.

“It’s about being able to help people like Donna was saying,” Flores stated. “We help them through whatever crime is going on. It’s always important to remember as an advocate, anything from a dog bite to a murder is the most important thing to them. It’s important to show them that their case is just as important to us as it is to them. All the people I work with at the county attorney’s office, we are a family around here. That’s what always keeps us coming back is that comradery.”

Despite having been with the office for near a quarter of a century, Duncan remains as focused as ever to do the right thing for potential victims. In concurrence with Flores, Duncan agrees one of the best ways to ensure a victim’s rights is by working closely with other offices, and law enforcement in Goshen County.

“We always have to be helping our people, while working with the other agencies that are also helping our victims,” Duncan said. “It’s a tough road for victims. We have their restitution to worry about as well as their health. Probably health first, and then the cost. It gets tedious at times. Costs are huge anymore. It used to be maybe five figures, now we are up to six or seven. That’s a load to carry just for them, and we help them get their restitution figures. So, when they stand in front of the judge they can say this is what that crime cost them. We work with so many agencies that help our victims out like the Domestic Violence Task Force, the Department of Family Services, law enforcement, the County Attorney’s office and Volunteers of America.”

Despite having years of experience between the two as well as substantial support from the community, both Duncan and Flores wish more people would come see them concerning a wrong that has been done to them.

“We are always seeing people at their most vulnerable, or at their worst,” Flores continued. “A lot of people say, ‘I’ve never heard of your office before,’ and maybe that’s a good thing. That means nothing really bad has happened to them. It could be anything  whether it be a car accident where someone doesn’t carry insurance, or a murder. We get in contact with them just like anyone else. Every scenario is different. Even if it’s the same crime, there are always different aspects to it. That’s challenging as well, and that’s something we all learn from. You always get to learn something different, that’s the most challenging part. Worrying about the criminal’s rights are important, because you don’t want to have a case get thrown out because someone didn’t receive the rights they have, but it makes the grind much slower.”

As the two prepared to go back to work assisting those in need, Duncan had some final but soft and welcoming words of encouragement to all in Goshen County who have been traumatized.

“I hope more people would contact us. We are always seeking out victims. I don’t want them to worry about coming here. We are not law enforcement or attorneys, but Wyoming has a victim Bill of Rights. We do let victims know that they have rights under the statutes. Is it 100% perfect? No, but they are here. The penalty is knowing that the victim is hurting badly. Our judges our awesome, and they know that the victims are there. They don’t see us in the courtroom, they see the victim in the case.”

Finally, Duncan spoke very highly of her young but determined protégé.

“Cruz brings a different skill set to the office,” Duncan smiled. “He has a calm professionalism about him, and people respond very easy especially when they are agitated. He can put all that to good work.”

If you have further questions or would like more information regarding GCVA, feel free to call 307-532-4428. The office is open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.