Message from the Executive Director

Ask most Americans how our nation treats crime victims, and they are likely to say, “very well.” In most ways, they would be right. Every state has victims’ rights laws. We have more than 10,000 victim assistance programs throughout the United States, and every state has a crime victim compensation fund. Powerful federal laws, such as the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, protect victims and fund needed services. We can be proud of our accomplishments over the last 30 years – holding criminals accountable, and strengthening victims’ rights.

If we ask, “Do we serve every victim, every time? The answer is “no.” Despite all our progress in supporting victims, we still have much work to do. Only a fraction of crime victims actually participate in the criminal justice system. Victims’ rights vary from state to state. Services aren’t always available to meet all victims; needs. And populations with special vulnerabilities – the elderly victims with disabilities, human trafficking victims, children, teens, and victims from racial minorities – often fall through the cracks. If we are to serve every victim, every time, all Americans must do their part.

So, how can the average person help our nation reach this goal? First, we can open our eyes to the “hidden” victims around us. Check in with your elderly friend or neighbor, who may be vulnerable to exploitation or abused. Only 1 in 14 incidents of elder abuse is ever reported. Be alert to the teens in your life whose behavior may have suddenly changed, who may be experiencing dating violence or abuse at home. Teens are twice as likely as adults to be victimized by violent crime. Consider the possibility that a neighbor’s housekeeper who never leaves the house may be a victim of human trafficking, the third most profitable illegal enterprise in the world. Recognize that the increasingly isolated young wife who seems afraid of her husband may be a victim of domestic violence – and may fear that reporting the crime will intensify the abuse or endanger her children. Thousands of such victims remain “under the radar, “outside the criminal justice systems and the victim services designed to help them.

Support victim services and victims’ rights. Find out about legislative initiatives to strengthen victims’ rights and expand victims’ services, and let your voice be heard. Make sure political candidates know that crime victim issues are important to you. If your community has a problem that requires actions, visit your local or state lawmakers to explain what you think should be done. Then, get involved with a local crime victim organization. You may be able to volunteer, help to distribute materials, or donate an item on their wish list.

Great progress for victims can result from many small steps. And by working together, we can help our community support every victim every time.