By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
TUSCOLA COUNTY — Because Tuscola County Victim’s Services Coordinator Diane Santhany is retiring Thursday, the county is losing its strongest advocate for those who need protection.
“First day of spring – first day of the rest of my life! I’m officially retired,” said Santhany.
Statistics show there is a definite need for the service Santhany provides. During 2010, she assisted 396 victims. During 2012, she assisted 391 victims, and in 2013 she assisted 331 victims.
“The numbers have remained consistent over the course of 17 years,” noted Santhany.
Her service is funded with federal money through the Victim of Crime Act that comes through the Michigan Department of Community Health – Crime Victim Services Commission. All of the monies in the program come from the Crime Victim’s Fee that defendants are ordered to pay when they are convicted of a crime.
“Diane through her years of service here has become a mentor not only for the public she deals with but also the employees that have come to her to seek advice,” said Undersheriff Glen Skrent.
“It seems more and more we are losing people with years of experience and training and the loss made is not easy to fill.”
Tuscola County Commissioners sent Santhany a letter of appreciation for her “dedicated service” to the residents of the county and all of the hard work she does behind the scenes.
“Be assured your exceptional work in helping those in a time of great need has not gone unnoticed! You can take great pride in knowing that you have made a positive difference in the lives of many people,” said the letter. “We know you have had to endured tremendous stress and frustration in helping people who were victims of domestic violence. Just remember the many people you have helped and the sincere and emotional appreciation they have extended to you.
“If you ever question was it worth it, don’t. Just ask yourself what would they have done if you were not there to help them.”
The majority of individuals Santhany worked with were domestic violence victims as well as sexual assault, child abuse, stalking elder abuse, economic exploitation, and more including assisting with personal protection orders.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.