WHAT IS NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS AWARENESS WEEK?

April 2025

An Advocate's Perspective:

Do you ever feel this way? “Another month, another cause, at this point, my calendar needs an awareness month for awareness months!"  I get it! This all seems overwhelming; but now, being in this field for nearly fifteen years, I am still amazed at how many people still do not know what, where, when, and why Crime Victim Services exist.  Sadly, if people are not impacted by crime themselves, they have no idea where to turn. 

Awareness initiatives play a crucial role in increasing the public’s knowledge about victim services, resources, and rights survivors are not aware of. Providing accurate and comprehensive information helps to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and promote a better understanding of promoting awareness, in this case, National Crime Victim Services Rights Awareness Week and Locally, Crime Victim Services.

NCVRW History:

The first Crime Victims Week (later renamed National Crime Victims' Rights Week) was established by Ronald Reagan in 1981 as a part of an expanding initiative to provide for victims of crimes (later manifested in Executive Order 12360, signed in 1982, which established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime). The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads the nation in the observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Communities across the nation sponsor local events to mark the week and raise awareness about victims' rights and services.

Advocate Journey:

When I started my career as a Social Worker, I had no idea that journey would take me to be a Court Advocate, a position I genuinely love. Probably the most accurate word to use when defining advocacy is “Bittersweet.”  According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, being bitter and sweet at once is especially pleasant but includes or is marked by elements of suffering or regret. “Bittersweet” resonates perfectly when discussing being a survivor of crime and as an advocate. 

The Bittersweet Victim and Advocate Roles:

The victim or survivor of a crime often is not aware of what the next step of the process is, that they have rights, and most importantly the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Defining a victim of crime involves recognizing the emotional, psychological, and physical impact that a crime has on an individual. Trauma is the result of experiencing a deeply disturbing or distressing event, and in the case of crime, it can manifest in various ways depending on the nature of the crime and the individual’s coping mechanisms.  Often, survivors experience shock and disbelief, fear and anxiety, and sadness or depression. Therefore, trying to navigate the justice system seems impossible, leading survivors to simply shut down. Victims typically are happy that justice may prevail but is exhausted by that same justice process.

The advocate’s role can be bittersweet due to the emotional and psychological challenges involved in supporting people through their trauma while also experiencing the rewards of helping them heal and find justice. Advocating for justice and making a positive difference in people's lives can be incredibly fulfilling, but the emotional toll, the constant struggle for justice, and the uncertainties of recovery can leave advocates feeling drained and conflicted. The balance between these highs and lows often shapes the bittersweet nature of the role.

The Impact of NCVRW Awareness Initiatives:

NCVRW Awareness has a significant impact on the community by increasing the public’s knowledge, which can influence policymakers to implement changes that benefit the cause. By enacting laws that protect and support survivors of crime. Awareness months foster a sense of community among individuals affected by crime and those who support the cause. Furthermore, fundraising during awareness events can have a significant impact on victims of crime, as it creates opportunities for financial, emotional, and community support.

Enhancing awareness ensures that victims have access to the support they need while engaging in communities, and empowering survivors. By combining education, emotional support, and financial resources, fundraising during these months can play a crucial role in helping victims recover, rebuild their lives, and feel less alone in their journey.

The NCVRW Awareness Social Media Poll:

To see what my immediate friends and family know about National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) or Crime Victim Services (CVS) I posted a poll on Facebook to see responses. My close friends are fully aware of how proud I am to be a Court Advocate, so I am very curious as to what they have learned from me in the past fifteen years.

1. If you were a victim of (any)crime, once you reported the crime, would you know how to proceed? What would you do?

2. What does Crime Victim Services do?

3. If you have ever been a victim of crime, did you have an advocate?

4.  What do you think would make people more aware of Crime Victim Services?

5. Which aspect of victims' rights do you think needs the most improvement in your community?

6.. Are you aware that victims have rights?

Observation Statement:

This survey/poll received no responses, indicating a lack of participation from the intended audience, which is my friends and family. This advocate’s opinion is there is an element of embarrassment to acknowledge they have been a victim and lack of awareness or knowledge.

Individuals not impacted by crime are often less familiar with the workings of the justice system and the available supportive resources. Without direct experience, they may struggle to navigate legal processes or know where to refer someone in need. This gap in awareness can create barriers to accessing justice and support services, highlighting the importance of community education and outreach efforts. Therefore, as I highlighted at the beginning of this article, awareness initiatives play a crucial role in increasing the public’s knowledge about victim services, resources, and the constitutional rights survivors are not aware of.