Join America and APPA in Commemorating the 21st Anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week
For Immediate Release: 04/01/2001

During the week of April 22-28, 2001, crime victims, service providers, criminal and juvenile justice, allied professionals, and community volunteers will join together across American to commemorate the 21st anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

This year's theme, "Victims' Rights: Reach for the Stars" emphasizes the continued hope and aspirations for our nation to treat crime victims with dignity and compassion, and to provide them with services and support in the often devastating aftermath of criminal victimization.

Male and female, young and old, rural and urban, and every culture and economic status imaginable. These are the faces of victimization in America. Our family members, neighbors, friends, and coworkers may be hurt by crime and in need of assistance. This year, crime will touch nearly 29 million people in America, and the domino effect can be shocking. Crime touches individuals, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and communities as a whole; and crime victims endure physical, emotional, and financial losses that can significantly alter their lives.

Today, over 10,000 organizations exist today in our justice systems and communities that provide help and hope to victims of crime. Over 30,000 laws have been passed at the federal, state, and local levels that articulate and promote victims' rights and services, including constitutional amendments in 32 states.

The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) is strongly committed to promoting services and programs that meet the needs and interests of crime victims and supports the provision of effective community-based intervention and supervision that are critical to reduce the risk of further victimization. APPA has developed a variety of resources that probation and parole agencies as well as communities can use to assist them in enhancing services to crime victims. Our vision seeks to create a system of Community justice where a full range of sanctions and services provide public safety by insuring humane, effective, and individualized sentences for offenders, and support and protection for victims.

We encourage communities and our members to join together April 22-28, 2001, National Crime Victims' Rights Week to honor crime victims and those who serve them.