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national victims' rights week logo

National Victims' Rights Week

April 09, 2018 - April 14, 2018
Tickets and Information: Contact Thelma Jackson (904) 630-7103

The City of Jacksonville’s Mayor’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council, with other local nonprofits and organizations, will host events to recognize crime victims as part of the local observance of National Crime Victims’ Week, April 8-14, 2018. The Mayor’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council (VAAC) is joining forces with law enforcement, judges, victim advocates and concerned citizens throughout Jacksonville and surrounding areas to raise awareness about victims’ rights. 

This year’s theme is “Expand the Circle Reach all Victims”. The theme brings awareness to the struggle of victims in the Jacksonville community while recognizing the importance of helping those who have been victimized rebuild stronger lives. Coinciding with public rallies, candlelight vigils and other similar activities held across the nation, the City events scheduled locally, as detailed below, will honor victims, their families and those who serve them. 
 

Victims’ Rights Week Activities:              

 
Monday, April 9th, 11:30 a.m.
Victims’ Rights Week Kickoff Press Conference
City Hall Atrium
117 W. Duval St. – 32202
The Kickoff Press Conference recognizes the National Victims’ Rights Week. Mayor Curry recognizes dignitaries. Featured speakers will include Mayor Lenny Curry, State Attorney Melissa Nelson, Sheriff Mike Williams and victims of crimes and their families make remarks. Mayor Curry will present a proclamation for the 2018 Victims’ Rights Week to the VAAC Chair, Sheila Spivey, which acknowledges victims of crime each year. National Victims’ Rights Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the services and programs available to assist victims in Jacksonville.
 
Monday, April 9th, 6:00 p.m.
Tossing of the Roses
The Jacksonville Landing
The Justice Coalition hosts a Tossing of the Roses event which honors victims of homicide and their families by tossing a rose in the St. Johns River at the Jacksonville Landing. For more information, please call the Justice Coalition at 783-6312.
 
Wednesday, April 11th 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Annual Awards Luncheon
Main Library Auditorium (Main Street Entrance)
303 N. Laura St.
The Victims’ Rights Week Annual Luncheon will honor extraordinary individuals and programs that provide services to crime victims. The Mayor or Mayor’s designee and VAAC president will present awards.  The event is open to the public but mostly attended by victims, their survivors, family members, victim serving agencies, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office/law enforcement, judiciary, State Attorney’s Office.  The cost of lunch is $30. For more information and to make a reservation please call Thelma Jackson at  630-7103.
 
Saturday, April 14th, 12:00 Noon
Balloon Release
3108 North Myrtle Avenue
Families of Slain Children will release balloons in memory of crime victims.  Victims, family members, VAAC member, Victim serving agencies and local non-profits will participate. Crime victims will be honored as their names are read aloud during the vigil. The goal of the event is to bring awareness and allow families of victims to honor their loved ones.