April 20th, 2020 marks the beginning of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW). Legal organizations, non-profit organizations, and various other national and local groups will do everything they can to highlight the importance of this week. Here are five things you need to know about National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
What is National Crime Victims Rights' Week? Ever since April of 1981, National Crime Victims' Rights Week has been held every year during April. The goal since its inception, however, has not changed. Organizations that promote NCVRW dedicate their time to educate communities about victimization and how it affects individuals and communities. This week also promotes policy programs and services that assist with the recovery of victims of crime.
Seek Justice. Ensure Victims’ Rights. Inspire Hope. This year, its primary organizer, the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime has selected “Seek Justice. Ensure Victims’ Rights. Inspire Hope.” as this year’s theme. This theme’s goal is to celebrate the work put in by individuals and organizations who have pushed advocacy and awareness of victim rights for the past 50 years. It also promotes the healing, hope and justice that has been inspired by these actions.
Brown Bag Webinars. Brown bag webinars are an example of the programs that are being promoted this year during NCVRW. Throughout the week, the organization known as the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) will hold webinars that anyone can register to attend for free. These webinars will feature survivors of victimization, advocates for victim’s rights and general information about what specific rights victims of nearly any criminal activity have.
How NCVRW is Affected by the COVID-19 Crisis. Unfortunately, this year's National Crime Victims Rights Week happens to be held right in the middle of the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. Multiple marches, gatherings, events, and receptions have been postponed or canceled because of the current crisis. Despite this, many virtual events are still being held to celebrate NCVRW. In addition to the Brown Bag Webinars, NOVA is also offering a virtual 5K and various other programs. Other virtual educational resources will be promoted throughout the week as well.
Where You or Anyone You Know Can Reach Out. Another important function of NCVRW is to promote organizations that are doing what they can to provide support to victims of crime and their loved ones every day. The National Center for Victims of Crime (202-467-8700) dedicates its mission to help rebuild the lives of those affected by victimization. They are also linked to other organizations, like the Victim Connect Resource Center, which provides virtual resources for victims and an outlet to talk and heal. NOVA also has its own website for general victim assistance. The Commonwealth of Virginia has the Virginia Victim Assistance Network (1-855-443-5782) which educates victims of crime about their rights and provides access to resources that are needed to heal. It is vital to note that even during these trying times, these organizations, or any local or national group, will do what they can to provide remote assistance while their physical facilities are temporarily closed.
National Crime Victims Rights Week is an important week of healing remembrance and celebration. If any of these programs caught your eye, please feel free to look into them and learn as much as you can. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of illegal activity of any kind, please look into the provided resources or contact our very own Isle of Wight Victim Witness Office.