NCVRW Resource Guide: 2006 Community Awareness Programs P-Z

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Victim/Witness Assistance Program collaborated with local law enforcement, the district attorney's office, and community organizations to hold a vigil for homicide victims, which was covered by two television stations. The partners also displayed a billboard honoring all victims on a major highway and developed public service announcements on crime victim services.

"Crime Victim Awareness Tree Plantings"

The Child Advocacy Center of Central Susquehanna Valley in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, partnered with local victim witness coordinators and district attorneys in four counties to develop and distribute pamphlets containing information in English and Spanish on crime victims' rights and services. The partners also held "Crime Victim Awareness Tree Plantings" at each county's courthouse and advertised the events, crime victims' rights, and available services through local radio stations, television, and newspapers.

South Dakota

Educational Event

In Mobridge, South Dakota, Bridges Against Domestic Violence worked with local law enforcement, a Sioux tribe, and other victim service organizations to hold an educational event during NCVRW. Speakers presented on various victim-related topics, such as collaboration in jurisdictional issues and the dynamics of family violence, and a panel discussion was held on victim safety and rights. The event was advertised in local newspapers, on a local radio station, and through posters.

Tennessee

"Strength in Unity: Reaching, Connecting, and Serving"

In Knoxville, Tennessee, the Community Coalition on Family Violence collaborated with government agencies, community organizations, and a victims' rights task force to carry out a series of activities and events during NCVRW with the theme of "Strength in Unity: Reaching, Connecting, and Serving." Events included a public awareness luncheon and an "Empty Shoe" display. NCVRW and the events were promoted through the distribution of pens, pencils, notepads, safety cards, key chains, and bookmarks; coverage of the luncheon and an interview on television; public service announcements; a press release; and fliers.

Candlelight Vigil

The City of Memphis, Tennessee, partnered with a public service agency and other victim service organizations to host a candlelight vigil to honor victims of violence during NCVRW. The vigil also served as an educational event because information was distributed about victims' rights and community resources in both English and Spanish. Victim services were advertised through a local newspaper, as well as posters, pamphlets, and wallet cards printed in English and Spanish.

Awareness Event

In Oneida, Tennessee, the Children's Center of the Cumberlands worked with the district attorney's office and other victim service organizations to host a community awareness event to raise awareness of crime victims' rights and services. The event featured speakers, a luncheon, and booths that provided information about available services. The event and victims' rights were promoted through letters, fliers, brochures, mayoral proclamations, press releases, radio, television, newspaper advertisements, and promotional items, such as magnets.

Texas

Immigrant Victims' Rights Campaign

In Houston, Texas, RAPHA Ministries partnered with the Immigrants Community Family Violence Coalition, area churches, and other organizations to conduct a public awareness campaign on immigrant victims' rights for NCVRW. The campaign addressed barriers that immigrant victims face and services that are available. The partners held a community workshop, developed an online directory of resources, and distributed informational material on victims' rights. Available services were advertised through immigrant community newspapers and Web sites.

"Child Identification Day," Senior Center Presentations, Awards Luncheon, and More

The Webb County Sheriff's Department of Laredo, Texas, collaborated with the district attorney's office and victim service organizations to implement a campaign that included a proclamation at a local courthouse with speakers, a "Child Identification Day" involving information tables, a self-defense class, presentations at senior centers, and an awards luncheon to recognize those who serve victims. NCVRW, related events, and available services were advertised through television and newspaper advertisements, a digital banner, and billboards on major roads.

Mayoral Proclamation, Community Walk, "People's Law Forum"

In Tyler, the East Texas Crisis Center, Inc., collaborated with other victim service organizations to carry out a series of events during NCVRW. Events included a proclamation from the mayor, a community walk, and a "People's Law Forum" that provided information to the general public on various legal topics, such as victim compensation and changes in legislation that affect victims. The partners also published a calendar of NCVRW events in local newspapers and recorded sound bites about victims' rights and services that were aired on local media stations.

"2006 Crime Victims Awareness Expo"

Bay Area Turning Point, Inc., of Webster, Texas, collaborated with law enforcement, a local university, and a university organization to hold the "2006 Crime Victims Awareness Expo" during NCVRW. The event included speakers, a Clothesline Project display, and information presented in English and Spanish. The partners advertised NCVRW and related events through newspapers, radio, fliers, posters, and handouts.

Virginia

Candlelight Vigil, Youth Summit and Rally, Victims' Forum/Reception

In Newport News, Virginia, the Office of Human Affairs, Inc., worked with victim service organizations to hold a candlelight vigil, youth summit, youth rally, and a crime victims' forum/reception. The events were advertised through fliers, brochures, newspaper advertisements, and radio public service announcements.

Information Campaign

In Winchester, Virginia, the Winchester Victim/Witness Assistance Program collaborated with local community organizations to carry out a campaign promoting NCVRW in English and Spanish. During one event, Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonell and others spoke about victims' rights. NCVRW and victims' rights were also advertised through promotional items, victims' rights cards, posters, fliers, billboards, a local cable station, and newspapers.

Washington

NCVRW Symposium

The Skagit County Department of Youth and Family Services in Mount Vernon, Washington, worked with local law enforcement, schools, community service providers, and other organizations to carry out an NCVRW campaign about the impact of crime, victims' rights, and available services. An NCVRW symposium was held that focused on crime victims' rights. The event and NCVRW were promoted in both English and Spanish through newspaper articles, crime victim awareness posters, bookmarks, and public service announcements on local television and radio stations.

Wisconsin

"UNITY" Sculpture

In Madison, the Wisconsin Department of Justice worked with a local university's art department, a crime victims' council, and a law enforcement organization to create a sculpture, "UNITY," which was constructed from the metal of guns turned in by residents during a community gun buy-back initiative. The sculpture is a tribute to victims and victims' rights and was designed around a West African "chain link" symbol that stands for unity, responsibility, and interdependence. The linked design relates to the concept of connection and cooperation of community members for the collective good of the community. The partners also developed a story board and brochure to explain the sculpture and provide information on crime victims' rights. The sculpture was unveiled at a public ceremony during NCVRW, then a reception followed that provided an opportunity for attendees to sign up to host the sculpture at their organization. The sculpture will eventually be installed in the public lobby of the Wisconsin Department of Justice building.

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The Office for Victims of Crime is a component of
the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.