Bernstein Hosts Annual Victims' Fund Run
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Hundreds of people become victims of crime every year in Baltimore. Prosecutors say there's a hidden price tag of crime, and usually it's the victim who has to pay it.
Gigi Barnett reports the city's victims' fund run is a way to help.
It's a cloudy and cool Saturday morning on the trail in Patterson Park. The 5K is a chance for runners to help crime victims city-wide.
This is the 11th annual victims' fund run. Baltimore State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein's office sponsors the run.
"People like to be in control of their lives and when you're a victim of a crime, you're not. And I think that's why people are out here to support them," said Bernstein.
Many times the victim is forgotten after a crime.
"People focus on the perpetrator because that's what's maybe sensational and salacious and the like," Bernstein said.
All of the money raised Saturday will go toward a wide range of items victims need, everything from emergency care to locks repaired on doors.
"Somebody's house is broken into and the door or the window is probably ruined. They can't close the door in the neighborhood. I don't know how people can sleep at night with a door they can't even lock. Hopefully things like this fund can pay for things like that," said runner Tom Rafter.
Even the youngest runners knew why they were pounding the pavement.
"To get money and find shelters for the people who are getting hurt," said Jae Walker.
The run comes during the National Victims' Rights Week, which ends Saturday night.
