Community members gathered Thursday, April 23, at Liberty City Hall for the annual Liberty County District Attorney’s Office Crime Victims’ Vigil, an event focused on honoring victims of crime and recognizing the strength of survivors.
The vigil, held each year during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, serves as both a time of reflection and a reminder of the impact crime has on individuals, families and the community.
Liberty County District Attorney Jennifer Bergman welcomed those in attendance and spoke about the importance of continuing the event each year.
“This event is such an important part of what we do every year,” Bergman said. “When I took office, we started rotating it from the north end of the county to the south so we can involve more people. That’s important to us.”
First Assistant District Attorney Anna Emmons introduced the evening’s guest speaker, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Linda Worley, describing her as both a victim and a survivor.
Before introducing Worley, Emmons reflected on what it means to be a victim, noting that the definition goes beyond the cases that make headlines or reach the courtroom.
“Victims are people who have suffered harm, injury, loss, or death due to actions or circumstances,” Emmons said. “Whether it’s reported or not, that doesn’t make them any less of a victim.”
Emmons also addressed the challenges victims face, including criticism, doubt, and the impact of harmful behavior in today’s social media world.
“Victims are criticized. Victims are questioned. Victims are constantly being judged,” Emmons said. “That needs to stop.”
Worley, who now serves as an investigator with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, acknowledged that sharing her own story was far more difficult than documenting the experiences of others.
“As a peace officer, I usually speak for a victim, not as one,” Worley said.
During her remarks, Worley spoke about challenges she faced growing up and a traumatic assault she experienced in her teenage years involving someone her family knew and trusted. She described the confusion and anguish she felt at the time and how difficult it was to tell anyone what had happened.
Worley said she carried that experience for years before finding the strength to speak up, a moment that changed the course of her life.
She said those experiences, along with others she witnessed growing up, ultimately led her to pursue a career in law enforcement, where she could support others facing similar situations.
“I could be someone that listens to those that feel they have to remain silent,” she said.
Worley emphasized that not all victims report what has happened to them and that some situations may never be fully proven, but that does not lessen the harm.
She encouraged those in attendance to pay attention, especially to children, and to take concerns seriously.
“Listen to your kids and those around you. Trust them,” she said.
Worley also reminded attendees that help is available through local agencies, including law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices, and encouraged anyone in need to reach out.
“You just have to have the courage to make the call,” Worley said.