05:30 PM EST on Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Reported by: Lindsey Roberts

15 years ago, Pat Taylor's husband, Allan, was murdered in their Newport News home by the couple’s niece and her boyfriend.

Pat says the community reached out and helped her through the trauma. 

"He was not only my spouse but my best friend and it's devestating to lose both at one time," she said. "I hope we can prevent something from ever happening, but if it does, then I'd like to be there to help them and provide some support."

She knows there are others going through similar pain alone. That’s why she’s reaching out to help as part of a new non-profit organization, The Peninsula Crime Victims Council.  It was started by retired Army chaplain David Cook.

"There are a lot of people out there that are hurting, a lot of them hurting in silence, not knowing where to go or where to turn. That's why I realized this is what I need to do," explained Cook.

Cook works with law enforcement and commonwealth’s attorneys to fill gaps in services that the state can’t provide.

The council provides everything from long-term counseling and shelter to things as simple as a ride to court to see justice served.

"When someone has lost a family member or had some real trama in their life because of crime, part of what they need is to regain a sense of wholeness again, a sense of peace," Cook said.