National Crime Victims' Rights Week - Day 2
Each April, National Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. In 2014, NCVRW will be observed April 6–12 and the theme is "30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice." Throughout Kansas, communities will join together to raise awareness on the impact crime has had on individuals, families, and communities. This week also highlights local service providers who work hard to meet crime victims’ needs for support, counseling, and resources. Below is information on two such events being held during this week.
KOVA (Kansas Organization for Victim Assistance) will be sponsoring the third annual Courage Walk and Voices of Victims Rally. This will take place on Friday, April 11th from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Memorial Hall Auditorium in Topeka. The rally is an opportunity to hear from Kansas crime victims and the impact that crime has had on their lives. KOVA President, Holly Chavez says, “Having the Courage Walk and Voices of Victims Rally on Friday is a great way to wrap up a week of events and to reflect on this important week”. This event, which is open to everyone, demonstrates support and awareness of crime victims in our state. For more information on the event or on how you or your organization can join KOVA, go to http://kansascrimevictims.org.
The evening of April 10th from 5:30 until 7:30 pm at the Medium Auditorium at Lansing Correctional Facility, the Office of Victim Services and the inmate graduates of Victim Impact: Listen and Learn are presenting, “Bridging the Gap”. This program features graduates of the Lansing Victim Impact Class performing music and poetry they have created. In addition, there will be two guest speakers who will share their thoughts and feelings regarding the impact crime has had on them.
“30 years” is not an invitation to rest on three decades of progress—although much has been accomplished—but a reminder of the work still before us in restoring the balance of justice to all of those harmed by crime.
