Each April since 1981, the federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has designated a “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.”  The purpose of NCVRW is to increase awareness of victims’ rights, honor crime victims, and aid those who advocate on their behalf. 

The theme for the 2012 NCVRW April 22-28, is “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim.” This year the focus will be on education and outreach, and OVC will provide resources and ideas for planning activities, involving your communities, and promoting a full understanding of the importance of supporting crime victims’ rights and services.

NCVLI is committed to meaningful engagement in this awareness week and we will be facilitating events throughout the month to educate on victims’ rights.  Following is a list of select events.  For a full calendar of events across the country, see the National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events on OVC’s website.

Check out our Facebook page for photos of these events.

• Thursday, April 12th at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon - Trauma and the Brain for Attorneys.  Click here for further information.
• Friday, April 20th in downtown Portland, Oregon - Extending the Vision: Pro Bono & Self-Represented Protection of Victims’ Rights.  Click here for further information.
• Wednesday, April 25th at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon - Commemoration Ceremony & Reception hosted by the Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victims’ Services Division.  Click here for further information.
• Wednesday, April 25th - at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon - Attorney General Candidate Forum, Topic: Victims’ Rights.  Click here for further information.
• Thursday, April 26th in Alhambra, California - NCVLI Executive Director Meg Garvin will be presenting at the Victims’ Rights Symposium and Recognition Luncheon facilitated by the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.  Click here to learn more.
• Thursday, April 26th at 2 pm EST in Washington D.C. - Hearing by the Constitution Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee on H.J. Res 106 Federal Victims’ Rights Constitutional Amendment. More information and a live broadcasting of the hearing can be found by clicking here.
• Friday, April 27th at the Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville, Florida - ABC’s of Representing Victims of Crime.  Click here for further information.