Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is celebrated every year in April. This week is dedicated to learn about victimization, the effect victimization has on individuals, families, friends and the community, and to promote laws, policies, and programs to help victims of crime. Every year, thousands of communities across the nation honor the dedication of those before us that established victim rights and renew commitment to guarantee that all victims have the rights and services they need to recover from crime. Victim Support Services participates in marches, tree-planting ceremonies, and many other activities that are held each year to promote victims’ rights and to honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
This year’s theme—Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.—emphasizes the importance of leveraging community support to help victims of crime. Criminal justice and victim service professionals, businesses, healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, houses of worship, and a host of other social and civic groups can work together to ensure that survivors of crime receive the holistic services and support they need. This not only helps the individual heal, but it also improves community safety and wellbeing.
