Sajda Purple Blackwell Talks to Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (Second District) founding chairman of Council’s Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention, as he announced that City Council has confirmed Philadelphia lawyer Adara L. Combs as the first Philadelphia Victim Advocate. Mayor Jim Kenney transmitted his nomination of Combs for confirmation by Council this month.
“I want to thank all of my Council colleagues, advocates, the families of victims of gun violence, and the voters of Philadelphia for supporting the creation of this office,” Johnson said. “In the aftermath of the record gun violence we have had in Philadelphia, this office is needed to work on system wide issues affecting victims and co-victims in Philadelphia.”
“The new Office of the Victim Advocate is long overdue in Philadelphia. Advocates have told me that the fragmented nature of victim services leads to a lack of consistency and timing of outreach and services provided,” Johnson continued. “I believe that we owe it to victims and co-victims to give them a voice within City government. Such an important position calls for the right person with a unique blend of skills and experience. Adara is the right person.”
The Office of the Philadelphia Victim Advocate will offer a hub for crime victims and co-victims, a term referring to family, neighbors, colleagues and others indirectly affected by crime. The office’s functions would include coordination, planning, and policy advocacy.
“I want to thank all of my Council colleagues, advocates, the families of victims of gun violence, and the voters of Philadelphia for supporting the creation of this office,” Johnson said. “In the aftermath of the record gun violence we have had in Philadelphia, this office is needed to work on system wide issues affecting victims and co-victims in Philadelphia.”
“The new Office of the Victim Advocate is long overdue in Philadelphia. Advocates have told me that the fragmented nature of victim services leads to a lack of consistency and timing of outreach and services provided,” Johnson continued. “I believe that we owe it to victims and co-victims to give them a voice within City government. Such an important position calls for the right person with a unique blend of skills and experience. Adara is the right person.”
The Office of the Philadelphia Victim Advocate will offer a hub for crime victims and co-victims, a term referring to family, neighbors, colleagues and others indirectly affected by crime. The office’s functions would include coordination, planning, and policy advocacy.