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‘Virtual candlelight vigil’ on Friday for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week began on Sunday, April 19, and will conclude on Saturday, April 25. This year’s theme is “Seek Justice, Ensure Victims’ Rights, Inspire Hope.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this will be the first time in 20 years that the Shoals Chapter of VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Leniency) will not be marking the week by holding a candlelight vigil and placing crosses on the lawn of the Lauderdale County Courthouse.

A spokesperson for Shoals VOCAL stated, “We do not want victims to be forgotten. Please log in to our Shoals VOCAL Chapter Facebook page this week for special events.”

On Friday, April 24, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall will mark the week by hosting a virtual candlelight vigil and program to honor and pay tribute to victims of crime.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature Attorney General Marshall, Lynn Bius (State Executive Director, Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers), Jawandalyn Brooks (Executive Director, Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence), Janette Grantham (Executive Director, Victims of Crime and Leniency) and others.

President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 with the goal of putting crime victims’ rights, needs and concerns in a prominent place on the country’s agenda.

President Reagan also established the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services.

The Office for Victims of Crime, part of the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory.

Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.

The Office for Victims of Crime offers information on how to create public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights.

The Alabama Attorney General’s Office of Victim Assistance provides direct assistance and referrals for victims of violent crime. The toll-free hotline is 1-800-626-7676.

Visit AlabamaCandlelightVigil.com to watch Friday’s event and light a virtual candle for a crime victim.

Visit Shoals VOCAL on Facebook.

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