The week of April 18-24, communities throughout the nation will rally to honor and support victims of crime. With the theme, Crime Victims’ Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect. 2010 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will recall the ideals that inspired the decades-long struggle of the victims’ rights movement and challenge all Americans to honor victims’ rights.

The Eighth Annual National Candlelight Observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is scheduled for Thursday, April 15, 2010 from 6:30-7:30 pm and will be held at the US Chamber of Commerce located at 1615 H Street NW. William Kellibrew, victim advocate and president of the William Kellibrew Foundation will be the guest speaker. Mr. Kellibrew has been an inspiration to victims, survivors and activists through his story of tragedy to triumph as a young victim. Mr. Kellibrew champions a collective, coordinated and proactive approach to breaking the cycle of violence and poverty.

The National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony willbe held on Friday, April 16 from 2-3:30 pm at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, located at 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, and will feature guest speaker US Attorney General Eric Holder.

On Monday, April 19, the Office of Victim Services will hold a reception in the atrium of the John A. Wilson Building located at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW from 5-6 pm. There will also be victim services providers’ displays featured in the atrium throughout the week.

View the related Public Service Announcement videos. 

View the invitation [PDF].