The Tulare County District Attorney’s office has received funding from the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators, through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, to promote community awareness of crime victims’ rights and services and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the U.S. Victims of Crime Act during 2009 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

The week of April 26 – May 2, 2009, is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which was first designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. This annual observance seeks to increase public awareness of, and knowledge among crime victims and survivors about the wide range of rights and services available to people who have been victimized by crime. The theme for 2009 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is “25 Years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act.”

The Office for Victims of Crime seeks to increase general public understanding of crime victims’ rights and concerns, and to educate crime victims and survivors about resources available to help them.

Phil Cline says: “Our community awareness projects will help to generate widespread public awareness of crime victims’ rights and needs, and the importance of engaging all Americans in victim assistance efforts.”

The public is invited to a Recognition Ceremony for all those who provide services to crime victims on Wednesday, April 29, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Visalia Holiday Inn. Space is limited so reserve your seat now. RSVP to the Victim/Witness Assistance Bureau at (559) 733-6754.

For more information on the Victim/Witness Assistance Bureau, click HERE