AG Fitch unveils new tools in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

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The 40th anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is being observed April 18-24.  This year, Office for Victims of Crime Director Hart chose a theme that highlights the importance and value to community support to aid in the recovery of survivors: Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.

“My Office is dedicated to helping victims of crime and their families as they recover from and overcome the lasting physical, emotional, and financial challenges endured,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “We can all help them find hope, peace, and dignity as they move from victim to survivor.”

Together, the Attorney General and the Bureau of Victim Assistance have worked to create a larger and more connected support network across the state.  The Attorney General’s Office reported that more than 2,200 crime victims and their families received some form of assistance or support last year.

In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, AG Fitch has launched revitalized resources for victims of crime including advocates, a resource directory including services by county, as well as the Crime Victim Compensation Fund.

Victim advocates have been assigned to specific regions in order to develop stronger relationships with local resources like shelters and counselors.  Click here to learn about advocates in your region.  These advocates have also organized a full directory of statewide services and hotlines available to victims and their families.  To make it easier for victims to find resources in their area, there is also an interactive map that will display all of the services available in your county with a simple click.

These tools will help connect victims to a variety of services:

• children’s service providers;
• domestic violence service providers;
• sexual assault, rape crisis, and human trafficking service providers;
• survivors of homicide victims’ service providers;
• mental health and disability services providers; and
• job training and employment services.

The Attorney General’s Office also administers the State’s Crime Victim Compensation Fund which provides financial relief to eligible crime victims and survivors.  These funds can help pay for medical expenses related to the crime, mental health services, funeral expenses, lost wages, temporary housing and other financial burdens related to the crime.  More information on the Fund is available here.

“My team will continue to be unwavering advocates for crime victims and leverage public and private federal, state, and local partnerships to stop those who seek to harm our families and our communities.” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch.

If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has, please visit AttorneyGeneralLynnFitch.com. There, you can learn more about the rights reserved for crime victims, get connected to resources in your community, and find a victim advocate to help you move toward recovery with hope, dignity, and peace of mind.