For National Crime Victims' Rights Week, a Call to Action: Stand With, Support Victims of Crime

Many Kentuckians may notice a purple glow emanating from their county courthouses and from the local offices of agencies that advocate for crime victims during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 6-12). Some Kentuckians will go a step further, placing purple filters over their own porch lights during the week.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time when we recognize the compassionate work and service performed, and the progress made, by first responders, advocacy organizations, social workers, health care workers, and others in serving and helping victims of crime. Furthermore, it is a week when we acknowledge the trauma and life-changing consequences that can impact individuals and their families when they are victims of crime.

Though an annual occurrence, this year’s theme is simple, and rather straightforward: Kinship – connecting and healing through shared humanity. It’s a call – a challenge, actually – to each of us to reflect on our role in supporting those affected by crime.

And it is a push for all of us to remember the connections and the kinships we have with friends, family members, colleagues and acquaintances who may be victims of crime.

So, during this week, consider how you could help someone you know who is a crime victim. Become better informed of local organizations and advocacy services that support victims of crime. And understand when someone shares with you that they have been a victim of crime, it is critically important to listen, empathize and be prepared to offer support in a way that respects the survivor’s autonomy and choices.

It is worth noting that for crime victims and for those who advocate for victims, the landscape in Kentucky has certainly shifted in a positive direction in recent years.

Kentucky voters demonstrated their commitment to crime victims when they overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment (Marsy’s Law) in 2020, which ensured the inclusion, participation and respect of crime victims and their families as they navigate the criminal justice system. This sent a clear message that victims deserve justice and support.

And today within our justice system, prosecutors and advocates are working tirelessly to help victims find justice, while judges are striving to uphold and enforce victims' constitutional rights.

Throughout the commonwealth, victim service providers are standing on the front lines, offering crucial support to survivors as they navigate their healing journey. These organizations are providing free, confidential, and trauma-informed services to individuals and families affected by violence.

Indeed, progress has been made and a mindset established in Kentucky for supporting the rights of crime victims and ensuring victims are served through a trauma-informed lens.

So perhaps this is a good week to consider how we can play a role in further advancing the mindset of advocating for victims of crime and their families. Spend a few moments researching local advocacy organizations. Consider attending an organization’s event. Or respond to a donation request from a service provider.

Or, if nothing more, consider the prospect of someone in your life becoming a crime victim. And ask yourself a simple question: How would you help?

For more information about resources to help crime victims, contact the Kentucky Attorney General Office of Victims Advocacy or visit https://www.ag.ky.gov/about/Office-Divisions/OVA/

Author: Dr. Emily Bonistall Postel, Ph.D., state director of Marsy’s Law for Kentucky