Center for Women in Transition Observes 2007 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week:

Victims’ Rights:  Every Victim.  Every Time

National Crime Victims' Rights Week Annual Vigil - Lansing, MI

April 22-28 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week – a time for all American’s to learn about victimization, reflect on the cost of crime to our society and promote laws, policies, and programs to help victims of crime rebuild their lives.  The week’s theme, “Victims’ Rights:  Every Victim.  Every Time.,” envisions a strengthened national commitment to the nearly 24 million Americans harmed by crime each year.

 Only a fraction of victims report the crimes against them and participate in the criminal justice system.  Victims’ rights vary from state to state.  Not all protections are enforced.  Services are sometimes not available, or they may not meet the physical, financial, and psychological needs of victims or their families.  Particularly vulnerable populations – the elderly, persons with disabilities, ethnic and racial minorities, or residents of rural areas – may not receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

 The U.S. Department of Justice will launch National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Washington, DC, with its fifth annual National Candlelight Observance Ceremony on April 19, and its Awards Ceremony, April 20, to honor extraordinary individuals and programs that provide services to victims of crime. 

 Community members are encouraged to get involved in helping victims of crime.  Please visit the Center for Women in Transition and pick up a button to show your support for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  For information about national resources available to help crime victims, visit www.crimevictims.gov.