The Henrico Victim Witness Assistance Program with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office is raising awareness on National Crimes Victims’ Rights Week from April 21-27, 2024. The purpose is to celebrate the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement and reflect on how far we have come in achieving justice for victims of all types of crime.
The “Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act” (Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights) was made law by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995. The purpose of this law is to ensure that victims and witnesses of crime:
- Are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity and that their privacy is
protected where the law allows. - Have an opportunity to be heard at critical stages of the criminal justice process.
- Have an opportunity to make the courts aware of the full impact of the crime.
How would YOU Help?
It is important that the entire community be informed on these rights in case they come across a coworker, family member, friend or find themselves dealing with victimization. Sometimes victims feel better after discussing their concerns and emotions with someone they trust; however, it is important to know that our program is designed to assist victims and witnesses with the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Our program may also be able to connect victims to other community programs that specialize in counseling, financial compensation or other resources that may be helpful.
Henrico County Victim/Witness Assistance Program – 804 501-1680
Henrico County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office – 804 501-4218
Henrico County Police Non-Emergency – 804 501-5000
In addition, join us in solidarity for National Crimes Victims’ Rights Week with the ColorMe Awareness Campaign. This campaign focuses on bringing awareness and support to victims of specific crimes. Each day of the week has an assigned color and crime, and we ask that you wear the respective color of the day. This is a great way for your department to support the cause and recognize that victims’ rights are important. We appreciate your support, & you may submit photos of your team wearing the color of support throughout the week at [email protected].
We will post them on our Henrico Victim/Witness Facebook page!
