NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK
APRIL 23-29, 2023
“Engaging Communities. Empowering Victims.”
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney recognizes the work done by victim advocates and community organizations as they come together to empower victims of crime. With the establishment of a full-time prosecuting attorney’s office in 2003, Prosecuting Attorney Hill brought what is now the Victim Assistance Division under the same roof as prosecuting attorneys.
Bringing attorneys and advocates together centralized the work begun in Elkhart County in 1991 to empower victims of crime as they recover and move forward with their lives. Victim advocates assist crime victims as they navigate the legal system, provide them with ways to communicate with the court, and connect them with community resources.
In 2014 victim advocates from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney provided services to over 3,000 individuals. Services provided by advocates include crisis and emotional counseling, assistance with filing protective orders, and communicating criminal justice case information to victims.
Victim advocates also work with local organizations to connect victims with community resources. In 2014 advocates had over 600 contacts with members of the community, referring them to safe houses, providing social service information, or assisting them with compensation claims.
The Office for Victims of Crime of the U.S. Department of Justice encourages widespread participation during the April events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. For additional information about 2023 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, or for resources for victims of crime, please contact the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney at (574) 523-2237, or visit the Office for Victims of Crime website at www.ovc.gov. The helpful links section of this website provides links to many local, state and national websites.
