Each year, communities throughout the country develop a variety of creative ways to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

From festivals to educational forums, art displays to tree plantings, marches to memorials to media outreach, diverse groups with a variety of experiences, knowledge, and skills create their own traditions to honor, engage, and advocate for victims. In anticipation of NCVRW, your organization can reach out to other local groups and coordinate events that honor crime victims and raise awareness of victims’ issues within the community.

To support these efforts, the Office for Victims of Crime, in conjunction with the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators, offers funding assistance through its Community Awareness Projects initiative. Each year, funds are awarded to help communities create their own projects based on criteria including collaboration, innovation, community impact, media involvement, and experience with victims’ issues. 

Over the past 15 years, the NCVRW Community Awareness Project has supported more than 1,100 community projects to raise public awareness about victims’ rights and services. Within many of these communities, traditional NCVRW events were enhanced by collaborative partnerships.

As you plan your 2024 activities, be inspired by some of last year’s projects. You’ll find innovative examples of advertising campaigns, movie screenings, social media campaigns, art displays, memorials, walks/runs, and more. 

Join the NCVRW subscription list to receive information about 2025 funding opportunities.