National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) honors and acknowledges the resilience of crime victims while raising awareness about their rights. This year, as we commemorate NCVRW, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has chosen the theme “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.” The first Crime Victims Week (NCVRW) 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 first National Crime Victim’s Rights Rally was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and continues to be a tradition across the country this time of year.

About VOCA Funding

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act, commonly shortened to VOCA. Congress passed this act on October 12, 1984, and it was signed into law.

• VOCA established the Crime Victims Fund (CVF),
• Federal Victim Notification System,
• Discretionary grants for victim service organizations,
• victim assistance positions in the Department of Justice,
• financial support for the Children’s Justice Act Program,
• and assistance and compensation for victims and survivors of terrorism.

In 1988, the law was amended to establish the Federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) as the administrator of the CVF. The CVF consists of deposits from federal criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties, and special assessments collected by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, federal courts, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act was signed into law in 2021, mandating that monetary penalties from federal deferred and non-prosecution agreements be added to the CVF rather than the General Treasury. Crucially, the CVF does not use taxpayer dollars. Since 2007, more than $31 billion has been deposited into the CVF.

Because of VOCA, thousands of programs get millions of dollars invested in services provided directly to crime victims who have suffered physical, emotional, and financial harm from victimization.

Theme for NCVRW 2024:

The 2024 theme asks all of us—friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, community leaders, victim service providers, criminal justice practitioners, and health professionals—how to help crime victims. When a victim discloses to you, do you know what to do? Is your organization victim-centered and trauma-informed? Are you familiar with the services available in your community?

Statistics on Victims of Crime:

Here’s a simple truth: You may not know how to support a friend, family member, colleague, or acquaintance if they tell you about a crime committed against them. Each year, millions of Americans are victims of crimes. In 2022 alone, there were 6.6 million violent victimizations against persons aged 12 or older and 13.4 million property crimes, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. But that’s far from the whole picture. Many survivors don’t immediately — or sometimes ever — tell what happened to them. The reasons are incredibly personal. They may perceive that sharing what happened to them will only make things worse.

Survivors may fear that they won’t be taken seriously or that they won’t get the help they need. They may worry about reprisal for reporting their victimization, either from the individual harming them or the authorities. Therefore, when a survivor reaches out, we should listen, empathize, and be prepared to help. Who they share with, how, how much, and when is entirely up to them. We can bear witness when a survivor does share.

Importance for Justice Professionals:

Be Knowledgeable about Victims’ Rights:

Familiarize yourself with federal and state laws that protect victims’ rights, including the right to be informed, the right to participate, and the right to restitution.

Provide Support and Assistance:

Victims often require various forms of support, including access to counseling services, legal assistance, and financial compensation. Therefore, facilitating access to resources ensures victims are treated with empathy and respect.

Advocate for Systemic Change:

Addressing victims’ needs requires systemic change within the criminal justice system. Advocate for policies and practices prioritizing victim-centered approaches, including trauma-informed care and restorative justice initiatives.

Collaborate with Victim Advocates:

Victim advocates play a vital role in supporting victims throughout the legal process. Justice professionals should collaborate closely with victim advocates to ensure that victims receive comprehensive support and advocacy.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week poignantly reminds us of the resilience and strength of crime victims. We must understand victims’ rights and work tirelessly to enforce them, ensuring they receive the support and justice they deserve.