Ann Bauers is the Founder and Executive Director of National Justice and Hope for Crime Victims, headquartered in Grayson, Kentucky.
Ann’s journey sadly and tragically began when her son, Brian Keith Waugh, was murdered in his home on July 11, 2003. At that time, there were no support groups for his family, who were devastated by his death.
Ann was a driving force behind the first support and advocacy group in the Grayson, Kentucky, area. As of January 2019, the organization became a national nonprofit organization and opened an additional chapter in Louisville, Kentucky.
Today, National Justice and Hope for Crime Victims serves hundreds of crime victims each year by giving them emotional support and connecting them with local resources.
Can you describe what it was like for you as a crime victim in the Kentucky court system?
When our family was faced with the tragic murder of my son, we did not know who our county prosecutor was. Honestly, we did not even know who to call to ask.
We were so blessed to have unlimited support from our investigative team. The detectives and troopers from the Kentucky State Police went above and beyond to make sure we had all the resources and support we needed through each step of the process.
As we got to know the Commonwealth Attorney and the entire prosecution team, they, too, became a part of our family. They had patience with us and every question or concern we had. We were lucky.
As we have worked to help others going through the Kentucky court system, we have learned that not everyone received the support and respect that we did. That reality is what drives our mission at Justice and Hope for Crime Victims. We want every victim and survivor to receive the same support that we did.
Which component of Marsy’s Law stands out most to you, and why?
What excites me most about Marsy’s Law is the constitutional security it gives victims and survivors of crime. It gives them the promise and hope that they will not be closed out of the justice system and left in the dark.
Their voice has a solid rock to stand on now with Marsy’s Law.
As you have worked to spread awareness about Marsy’s Law in Kentucky, what has been the response from those you work with and in your community?
I have received such a great response of support and positivity from my community. Most were surprised to learn that Kentucky did not already have laws in place to protect victims and agreed it was long overdue.
Many chose to rally and show support for Kentucky crime victims and worked beside me to bring awareness to the need we have here in Kentucky to protect victims and their rights.
Every year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed during the month of April. Do you have a message for crime victims and supporters of Marsy’s Law regarding this important week?
The implementation of Marsy’s Law is a great start to getting victims and survivors heard, but there is still a lot of work to do.
That is why I love that we have National Crime Victims’ Rights Week so much. It is an opportunity for us to work statewide with community partners to shine a spotlight on victims’ rights.
Awareness projects are happening in many communities, and it is so thrilling to know victims and survivors may be hearing about their rights for the first time. We want them to know we are here to answer all their questions.
National Justice and Hope for Crime Victims is excited to be hosting our own awareness event featuring Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Marsy’s Law for Kentucky Director of Outreach Emily Bonistall Postel, and testimony by victim-survivor Melody York on April 23, 2021.
We want our community to know we are here for them and their families, and we will walk this journey by their side.
Do you have any words of encouragement for crime victims?
It is simple: You do not have to travel this journey alone.
When you feel most overwhelmed and do not know where to turn, take a deep breath and reach out to your victim advocates. Use your local resources. No one will embrace you like those who are driven by a passion to help.
I cannot say it enough: “You do not have to go through this alone.”