Connecting < KINSHIP > Healing: How Communities Across the U.S. Are Honoring Crime Victims

April marks a solemn yet empowering time across the United States as communities observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW)—a time of remembrance, advocacy, and renewed commitment to justice. Held annually since 1981, NCVRW shines a national spotlight on the rights of crime victims and the services available to them.

In 2025, NCVRW was commemorated from April 6–12 under the powerful theme: “Connecting < KINSHIP > Healing.” The concept of kinship—our shared humanity—serves as the heartbeat of this year’s campaign, emphasizing that healing begins with connection, support, and community.

Prince George’s County hosted its crime victims walk and resource event Saturday, April 19.

A History of Advocacy and Empowerment

Since its founding over four decades ago, NCVRW has challenged the nation to confront barriers to justice and support for victims. Each April, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)—a part of the U.S. Department of Justice—leads national and community-level observances of NCVRW.

The OVC, created in 1983 following recommendations from the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, was officially authorized in 1988 to administer the Crime Victims Fund under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). Today, the Fund supports a wide range of initiatives—from victim compensation and assistance to technical training for service providers—aimed at helping victims rebuild their lives.

Theme of 2025: KINSHIP

This year’s theme, “Connecting < KINSHIP > Healing,” calls for a collective acknowledgment that healing starts with compassion and connection. It encourages advocates, policymakers, and communities to foster relationships rooted in empathy and trust.

“KINSHIP is a state of being with survivors that drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing. It’s where victim advocacy begins,” states the 2025 NCVRW Resource Guide.

In addition to outlining this year’s vision, the guide provides a wealth of tools—from social media templates to artwork and FAQs—to empower local communities to launch their own awareness efforts.

Across the Nation: Events, Tributes, and Awareness

Throughout the week, events across the country highlighted both the gravity of crime’s impact and the resilience of survivors.

Prince George’s County, Maryland

The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. will host the 4th Annual Make a Difference Walk & Resource Fair. Click here for more information

Charles County, Maryland

In a moving ceremony on April 6, 2025, the State’s Attorney’s Office for Charles County hosted the 35th Annual Maryland Statewide Memorial Services for Crime Victims and Their Families. Held at Graces Event Center, the event brought together advocates, elected officials, and grieving families to honor those lost to violent crime.

The highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Roberta Roper, a foundational figure in Maryland’s victims’ rights movement. After losing her daughter, Stephanie, in 1982, Roper dedicated her life to advocacy, founding what is now the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center. Her work was honored with a floral tribute and heartfelt testimonials from families whose lives she’s touched.

San Luis Obispo County, California

On the West Coast, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors declared April as Crime Victims’ Rights Awareness Month. In a county with over 11,000 criminal cases handled last year, the impact of crime—especially violent crime—remains deeply felt.

District Attorney Dan Dow emphasized the need for community vigilance and compassion, stating:

“Our community has just about every crime imaginable... we work very hard to keep victims at the forefront of what we do.”

Beth Raub, with the county’s Victim Witness Assistance Center, added:

“Many victims need different kinds of critical services to really begin healing in their lives. Being connected to those services is key.”

East St. Louis, Illinois

In Illinois, advocates hosted a public healing vigil highlighting the needs of victims—especially in underserved communities. The event promoted awareness about victim compensation resources and encouraged survivors to access local services that too often go unused.

Montgomery, Alabama

Alabama’s state capital also marked NCVRW with emotional events calling attention to the victim compensation gap—an issue where 96% of violent crime victims did not receive any compensation in 2022. Advocates stressed the importance of better outreach, particularly to marginalized communities.

Savannah, Georgia

In Chatham County, District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones used NCVRW to educate the public about the rights of crime victims. Her office leveraged local media and community partnerships to increase awareness of victim services in the Savannah region.

Raleigh, North Carolina

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices organized a public ceremony featuring testimonies, musical performances, and discussions on trauma-informed care. The event focused on healing through empathy, with officials calling for stronger investment in restorative justice programs.

Data Behind the Dialogue

According to the 2023 National Crime Victimization Survey, the U.S. experienced a rate of 22.5 nonfatal violent victimizations per 1,000 people aged 12 or older. These statistics underscore the urgent need for accessible services and preventive strategies.

Yet the real story goes beyond numbers. Many victims struggle in silence due to fear, stigma, or lack of awareness of available support. That’s why initiatives like NCVRW matter—they shine a light on stories that are too often hidden.

Tools for Change: The NCVRW Resource Guide

The 2025 NCVRW Resource Guide remains one of the most comprehensive toolkits for victim advocacy. It includes:

Templates for press releases and social media campaigns
Artwork for posters, digital ads, and flyers
Sample speeches and proclamations
Historical insights into the victims’ rights movement

These materials empower local leaders, non-profits, and law enforcement agencies to effectively communicate their support for crime victims.

Investing in the Future: Youth Advocacy and Beyond

Looking toward the next generation, the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) continues to invest in future advocates. Their Victim Advocacy Corps (VAC) trains college students through field placements and mentorship in victim services—laying the groundwork for a stronger, more compassionate response system in years to come.

Conclusion: From Awareness to Action

As National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2025 concludes, the message is clear: justice for crime victims is not only about laws or compensation—it's about kinship, compassion, and community-driven change.

Whether through vigils in Maryland, policy advocacy in Alabama, or education campaigns in Georgia and California, communities are coming together to say: we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.

For more resources, visit ovc.ojp.gov and explore how you can get involved in year-round support for victims of crime.