You see it on the news almost every night. You see it on social media on a regular basis. And, unfortunately it hits home for so many people in New Jersey and across the United States. Crime continues to be an issue and it causes a ripple effect across communities.

Crime results in loss, grief, and trauma, and alters the lives of so many people.

Awareness is one way to work toward change. The amplification of voices is another way to work toward change.

This year, the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 23-29, 2023. This is an opportunity to educate the community about the rights of crime victims and give folks the chance to amplify their voices in support of victims and survivors. There are events occurring nationally as well as local.

The theme this year is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change”.

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Here are some National Crime Victims’ Rights Week events that may be of interest:

• Center for Family Services’ Grief Support Huddle – Honoring our Loved Ones during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, 4/28/2023 at 12:00pm, free and online. Register here: https://linktr.ee/cfs_gtl
• Elevating Your Voice with Trauma Recovery Yoga, Online and Free, 4/28, 12-1pm: https://ovc.ojp.gov/events/elevating-your-voice-trauma-recovery-yoga
• Other events can be found here: https://ovc.ojp.gov/events

If you are a victim of a crime, including the loss of a loved one to homicide, you have rights in the state of NJ. Here is the NJ Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights: https://camdencountypros.org/unit-list/victim-witness/crime-victims-bill-rights/

Processing the emotional impact of a crime can be a challenge, and Center for Family Services has a host of programs to help you do so. Please call Center for Family Services’ Access line at 1-877-922-2377 or head to the website https://www.centerffs.org/get-help to learn more.

Your county’s Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Unit is there to help you navigate the legal impact. Many counties have handbooks online. Here is Camden County’s Handbook for Victims and Witnesses: https://camdencountypros.org/unit-list/victim-witness/handbook-victims-witnesses/ Spanish Language Version: https://camdencountypros.org/unit-list/victim-witness/handbook-victims-witnesses/handbook-for-victims-and-witnesses-en-espanol/

In addition, the Victims of Crime Compensation Office may provide assistance as well. From their website: VCCO is committed to serving crime victims and their families. VCCO staff is ready, willing and able to assist those affected emotionally, financially and/or physically by a crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, you may qualify for reimbursement, so please contact VCCO, we are here to help. Victims of Crime Compensation Office: https://www.njoag.gov/vcco/vcco-victims/