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National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Celebrates 30 Years of Progress

April 2, 2014

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) recognizes April 6-12, 2014, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

This year’s theme (“30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice”) celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the tremendous progress that has been made in enhancing victims’ rights and strengthening services for victims of crime.

As a result of VOCA, more victims are included in the criminal justice process, ensuring their voices are heard and considered. Funding through VOCA supports crime victim compensation programs, which can help pay many of the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by victims.

VOCA funding also supports essential and life-saving victim assistance programs such as domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, victim assistants in law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices, and other direct services to victims of all types of crime.

As we look toward the future, we are mindful of the work that remains to ensure that all victims have access to the services they need to address the trauma and consequences of a crime.

The victim services field must continue to adapt to changes in technology and service delivery and grow to address the needs of underserved victims of crime, while maintaining the core infrastructure of services across the country.

This week, we recommit to working to restore the balance of justice for victims of domestic and sexual violence and for all crime victims. Learn more and get involved:

  • Follow #NCVRW2014 on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on how National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is being recognized across the country and for opportunities to participate.
  • Find statistics and information about domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of crime.
  • Learn about landmarks in our country’s efforts to improve crime victims’ rights and services.
  • Check out the Office for Victims of Crime at the Department of Justice and the National Center for Victims of Crime for more information, resources, and ways to make a difference.
  • Join us in calling on Congress to increase funding for programs that provide safety and services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.