National Crime Victims' Rights Week
25 Years of Rebuilding Lives:
Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act
April 26–May 2, 2009

Each April since 1981, OVC has helped lead communities throughout the country in their observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). Rallies, candlelight vigils, and a host of commemorative activities are held each year to promote victims' rights and to honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.

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Scheduled Events

Leading up to the national commemoration, OVC held two prelude events in the Nation's Capital.

Participants attend the Candlelight Ceremony held for NCVRW 2009

• National Observance and Candlelight Ceremony
  Thursday, April 23, 2009
  U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Directions)
  1615 H Street NW., Washington, D.C.
  Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m. eastern time
  
  Featured Speaker: Quincy Arriana Lucas, founder of Witney’s Lights, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness of domestic violence and crime victim’s issues, and covictim and homicide survivor of her beloved sister, Dr. Witney Rose.

U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., speaks at the 2009 Candlelight Ceremony

• National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Awards Ceremony
  Friday, April 24, 2009
  Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium (Directions)
  1301 Constitution Avenue NW.,
  Washington, D.C.
  Time: 1:30–3:00 p.m. eastern time

View the 2009 NCVRW Award Recipient's Bios and Photos.

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NCVRW Releases

Good Samaritans: Volunteers Helping Victims—Program Handbook and Training Guide
Explains how to train volunteers to provide emergency services to victims including home repair, compassionate support, and referrals to other services.

Strengthening Sexual Assault Victims’ Right to Privacy
Addresses challenges, discusses core concepts, and offers practical tips to maintain victim confidentiality to better serve victims.

Victim Services in Rural Law Enforcement
Reviews difficulties faced by rural victims, describes how law enforcement officers are often the victims’ only contact with the justice system, and offers a blueprint for enhancing assistance in rural jurisdictions.

Ethics in Victim Services
Provides information about responses to victims, ethics and standards in victim services, and ethical decisionmaking. (Curriculum)

Terrorism and International Victim Assistance Services brochure
Details specific programs that support victims of domestic and international terrorism and mass violence, as well as victims of global crimes such as child abduction and tourist-targeted victimization. To request a copy, visit the NCJRS Web site.

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2009 NCVRW Resource Guide

The NCVRW Resource Guide will help you promote community awareness of crime victim issues. OVC offers the guide in both hardcopy and electronic formats. Order a copy of the guide and theme poster, or view it online.

The 2009 Resource Guide for National Crime Victims' Rights Week includes—

• Victimization statistics.
• Special event ideas.
• Camera-ready art files.
• A 5-minute motivational DVD.
• Customizable posters, including the NCVRW theme poster.

The 2009 Resource Guide theme DVD provides an introduction to crime victims' rights. You can view the 5-minute video in its entirety or preview the 60-second clip (PSA length).

PSAs from previous years can also be viewed online.

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Attorney General's Crime Victims' Service Awards

OVC annually recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims and victim services. The award recipients, who are selected from public nominations in eight categories, are extraordinary individuals and programs that provide services to victims of crime. The honorees are announced just before National Crime Victims’ Rights Week commences.

The 2009 award recipients were announced on April 24, 2009. View the award recipients’ photos and biographies, and pictures from the awards ceremony.

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The Office for Victims of Crime is a component of
the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.