We are proud to be observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 13-19th. Together we can raise public awareness about crime in our communities. The theme this year is “Justice for Victims, Justice for All.” This evokes the highest American ideals, boldly stating that without justice to victims, there can be no justice for all. The theme affirms decades of effort to ensure rights, protections, and services for victims of crime. It shows how far our nation has come concerning victims’ rights, yet it reminds us how far we still have to travel.

As we confront more complex challenges - violent crime in our major cities, gangs, terrorism, Internet crimes against children, and evolving forms of financial crime - it is important we remind the community that victims bear the brunt of crime. We also contend that because crime can strike anyone, victims’ rights should be everyone’s concern.

The impact that violence has on our families and lives is tremendous. So great, that it may seem hopeless to think that one person can make a difference. We want you to know, you can and you have made a difference. We, at Families and Friends have been helping loved ones of violent crime victims for over thirty years to rebuild their lives and recover from tragedy. In the words of a victim receiving support “In the horror of this crime the place of peace I found with my advocate has helped me so much.”

With your support, we have been able to assist over 300 families in 2007, provided a 24-hour, toll-free crisis hotline to connect victims to services of all crime types including homicide, assault, burglary, identity theft, child abuse, elder abuse, drunk driving and others.

Once again, thank you for choosing to help victims of crime by allowing us to provide assistance to those families who are suffering from victimization and looking for hope. Without your generous donation we could not serve this truly deserving population.

Join with us to remember those who have been victimized and to ensure “Justice for Victims. Justice for all.”

Sincerely,
Jenny Wieland Ward