Information from a provided press release
Genesee County hosted its annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week event on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine Street in Batavia on Monday. The event was open to the community and free to attend.
This year’s theme, “Supporting Victims of Cybercrime,” highlights the growing impact of digital offenses
and the importance of community awareness, prevention, and support for victims and survivors.
The event will bring together local leaders, advocates, and experts to recognize victims of crime,
promote available services, and strengthen community connections.
Genesee County District Attorney, Kevin Finnell, presents closing remarks on the topic of cybercrime and older residents being targeted. Finnell also remembered Rosanne DeMare.
“Through the years I worked closely with her, anytime I had a victim issue, anytime I needed anything, I could call her, email her, walk into her office and I would talk to her and she would just do it, she would just go out there. Advocacy. She fought for those victims, whether it was against a defendant, against us, and literally sometimes we were just had different viewpoints about a case. But she never gave up that advocacy for that victim,” says Finnell.
“Rosanne never forgot a victim, ever. We miss her. I miss her every day.”
Panel members, Agnes Bower/Restore Sexual Assault Services, Eve Graham/Genesee County YWCA, Nick Talarico/Lawley, and Jarrod Randle/Homeland Security Investigations
A featured panel discussion explored key topics, including cybercrime, online safety, digital
harassment, and the resources available to support victims.
A representative of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Task Force was the keynote speaker
Her presentation provided insight into current trends in fraud, social media-related crimes,
and crimes against children, along with guidance on prevention and reporting.
Rosanne DeMare’s sons, CJ Morris and Tim Smart are the first recipients of the Rosanne DeMare Victim Advocacy Award. Rosanne passed away in December of 2025. She served for two decades as a dedicated Social Worker and Victim’s Advocate for Genesee Justice.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week serves as a time to honor victims and survivors while reaffirming a
commitment to justice, healing, and support throughout the community
