Courthouse bench to be dedicated to crime victims in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Grand Rapids, MI – The Kent County Victim Witness Unit is partnering with Silent Observer and Meijer Inc. to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) by dedicating a bench to honor crime victims of Kent County. 

The dedication ceremony will take place at 5:30PM on Thursday, April 6 at the 62A Wyoming District Court, 2650 DeHoop S.W., Wyoming, MI 49509, with a reception to follow. The event will also include a candlelight vigil, pipe band, survivor impact statements, and a musical performance.  

Victim Witness, along with several other community organizations, who are champions in advocating for expanded support and service to communities affected by crime will present. The event is free and open to the public.

The event will introduce the community to the important resources and service available through the Kent County Victim Witness Unit. 

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the U.S. Department of Justice leads communities throughout the country in the annual observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 2-8, by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. 

This year’s theme: Strength, Resilience, Justice,-emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary responses and building the capacity of individuals, service providers, and communities to respond to crime and support the ongoing healing of victims and survivors. The theme also supports OVC’s Vision 21 Initiative to encourage research, address emerging issues, and build the capacity of victim service organizations by increasing the use of technology and training.

During the entire week, an informational resource table will also be located daily at the Victim Witness office, 180 Ottawa Ave N.W. Suite 5400, Grand Rapids, MI.

“Too often we focus on the rights of the accused, not enough attention is given to the rights of victims of crime," Kent County Prosecutor Christopher R. Becker said. "Our office is so thankful to all of the various groups who have come together to make this event possible.  We hope this event, along with the nationwide recognition of a week devoted to victim rights, will raise awareness all over Kent County.” 

OVC and Kent County Victim Witness encourages widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year.  The Michigan Crime Victim Foundation will hold their Annual Candlelight Vigil, at the State Capital in Lansing, MI, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.  For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Right Week and how to assist victims in your community, please contact Kent County Victim Witness at 616-632-5400 or visit accesskent.com.