National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an event held yearly in April by both major authority figures and support communities across the United States. This year, it takes place from April 27 to 3. Every year, a different theme is set to be discussed in the outreach programs and committee meetings. In 2022, the chosen topic was ‘Rights, access, equity, for all victims’ and the focus of the event was to ensure that victim communities had awareness of their rights, the resources available for them to reach out to, and that they are to be treated equally in every situation.
History of National Crime Victims' Rights Week
The first time National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was observed was in 1981, under the guise of the U.S. Department of Justice. After its establishment in 1988, the Office for Victims of Crime (O.V.C.) took over and has since been in charge of its organization and performance. The goal of O.V.C. is to administer the Crime Victims Fund, which supports services and outreach programs across the country that focus on lending a helping hand to crime victims through their recovery.
The week is held every year in April and is organized not only by the O.V.C. but by local authorities and even community-built committees, which anyone who’s engaged within a neighborhood or an association can be a part of. These committees are responsible for planning and promoting different kinds of activities for the public. Such events can include speeches given by authority figures or even crime victims themselves, as well as talks about topics that fit within the range of the chosen theme for the year.
Through resources provided by the O.V.C. online, communities are able to promote events both on and off the Internet, spreading the message of all victims’ rights. By promoting the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week yearly, individuals assist in keeping the message of justice and safety alive and help maintain and even increase the Crime Victims Fund, which allows the government to keep supporting crime victims across the country.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week timeline
The first-ever National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is held by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The government passes the Victims of Crime Act, which marks the origin of the Crime Victims Fund.
The PROTECT Act is passed, and the AMBER alerts protocols are strengthened.
The Native American Children's Safety Act is passed, looking to protect Native American children.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week FAQs
What are the official colors of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week?
The color palette changes from year to year, to better suit the topic.
How can I arrange for a speaker at a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week event?
The O.V.C. can arrange for experts and survivors to speak at an event.
What are the different types of victims?
There are different kinds of victims, depending on the type of crime. Some examples are abuse survivors and robbery victims.
How to Observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Attend an event
Find within your community the group responsible for organizing events and attend one throughout the week. Show your support!
Post on social media
You can go through some O.V.C. resources and re-post on social media. Help spread the word.
Organize an event
If your community doesn’t have any events planned, how about getting a committee together and planning one yourself? Let’s get the conversation started.
5 Important Facts About The Week
It supports organizations
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, communities help the growth of different service providers for crime victims.
It helps pass legislation
Lots of events and talks held at National Crime Victims’ Rights Week help develop and pass different kinds of bills and acts in support of crime victims.
It helps make notable decisions
Sometimes, certain court cases take a long time to be solved, and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week helps those cases come to a close.
It supports the release of important information
Lots of studies and reports are released to the public during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
It helps advance research and approaches
Thanks to the studies and reports released, the authorities and the community as a whole can develop their approach toward crime victims.
Why National Crime Victims' Rights Week is Important
It promotes safety
It’s important to feel safe within our community. That’s why we support an event that promotes this feeling.
It keeps people informed
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an event about information. Thus, it helps keep the community updated on how to properly help a crime victim.
It raises awareness
This event helps spread the word on how to help, support, and fund programs made for crime victims. A key element in bringing change.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 24 | Sunday |
| 2023 | April 23 | Sunday |
| 2024 | April 21 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 26 | Saturday |
| 2026 | April 25 | Saturday |
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