By Leya Williamson
Violence can happen to anyone, no matter your race, gender, sexuality, beliefs,
economic status, etc. It can also present itself in many ways, including physical or
physiological experiences or even just threats to your wellbeing. Many who have
experienced violence find it hard to access resources or even feel they cannot express their
pain to others or ask for help; this is why it’s important to offer safe spaces and raise
awareness.
At DMACC, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is held annually in April, with this
year’s event spanning from 7th-11th, 2025. The college will host guest speakers focusing on
awareness and education about crime victims rights and tables with people there to discuss
these issues as well. But why is Crime Victims Rights Week so important? This week helps
many people in so many ways, such as raising awareness about victims rights, promoting
policies and laws that could support victims, and advocating for those who have gone
through these tribulations; just to name a few reasons.
Around 5 million people become the victims of violent crime annually, including
rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and more. Being a
victim of these traumatic crimes can, in most cases, create long-lasting impacts on
someone, and can sometimes create secondary problems like loss of relationships, mental
health issues, physical problems, and negative impact on occupational and societal function.
Because of the prevalence and effects of crimes and victims of crimes, communities and
governments have a responsibility to come up with ways to support these victims. This is
exactly the type of solution the Victim’s Right Movement has created.
The Victim’s Rights Movement was presented in 1970, making for a crucial shift in
criminal justice. Historically, victims of crimes, especially domestic violence or sexual
assault, were overlooked in the criminal legal process and did not receive adequate help or
justice. The movement came about to help and recognize the rights of victims and provide
them with basic services. Victims rights continue to evolve and more people are learning
about and recognizing these rights through the annual National Crime Victims Rights Week
in April (Linares et al.).
Crime Victims Right Week started in 1981 as a way to achieve justice for those who
have become victims of crimes and has since then been recognized every April (“National
Crime Victims’ Rights Week”). It has become a dedicated way to teach and learn about
victimization, and the effects that it has on individuals, families, friends, and communities.
It is also there to promote laws and resources to help those in need (“What is National
Crime Victims’ Rights Week?”).
In 1988, the Office of Victims of Crimes (OVC) was established by the Victims of
Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA). There is also the Victim Services Division, connected to the FBI,
that informs and supports victims by investigating the crime they were a part of and receive
services such as crisis intervention, counseling, housing, and other critical resources(Federal Bureau of Investigation). In the 1960s to 1970s, victim assistance programs were
founded in three states, and in Texas Senator Yarborough made the first federal crime
victims compensation bill in 1965, which was established as law in 1979. In the 1980s,
there was increased recommendation to President Reagan for laws at both the State and
Federal levels to protect and recognize societies interest in assisting victims to recover, and
recommendations from the Task Force to Congress to provide federal funding and
assistance to victim assistance organizations (“History of the Victims’ Rights Movement”).
In 1983, Congress established the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), this act has allowed OVC
fund support and services for victims of crimes in every State; their mission has included
sponsoring programs and resources that help support these victims of many crimes (dept
of justice).
Since the start of the Victims Rights Movement, people have been finding different
ways to help and express the importance of these rights. These are just some of the
National opportunities for support if you are a victim of a crime, but there are also many
great local options here in Iowa. On the DMACC Website there are links to many different
support efforts including those for families effected, domestic violence, human trafficking,
identity theft, mental health regarding victimization, sexual assault and harassment,
support groups, and many others. You can learn more about these different opportunities
during the week of April 7th at any of the DMACC campuses. There will be tables with
information and activities such as a mandala art workshop hosted by Kate Burgess and
student displays, and guest speakers like author Cheyene Hanson, first responders, and
others tied to organizations there to inform and share their experiences and help others
with their knowledge. It is worth checking out and to learn more about the topic and ways
you can help the community and people in need.
Works Cited
Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Victim Services.” Federal Bureau of Investigation,
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services. Accessed 26 March 2025.
“History of the Victims’ Rights Movement.” Arizona Voice for Crime Victims, https://voiceforvictims.org/history-of-the-victims-rights-movement#:~:text=Histor%20y%20of%20the%20Victims’%20Rights,Force%20on%20Victims%20of%20Crime.%20Accessed%2026%20March%202025. Accessed 26 March 2025.
Linares, Alyssa, et al. “The History of Victim Rights and Services.” Crime Victims Institute, April 2024, https://dev.cjcenter.org/_files/cvi/The%20History%20of%20Victim%20Rights%20and%20Services.pdf_1712759747.pdf. Accessed 26 March 2025.
“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.” Office for Victims of Crime,
https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/national-crime-victims-rights-week/overview. Accessed 26 March 2025.
“What is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week?” Victim Support Services,
https://victimsupportservices.org/events/national-crime-victims-rights-week/. Accessed 26 March 2025.