National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) —
What It Is & Why It Matters

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is an annual observance in the United States that honors crime victims and survivors, raises awareness about victims’ rights and available services, and recognizes the professionals and volunteers who support victims nationwide.

Origins & History

The concept of a victims’ rights week began in the 1970s, when grassroots victim advocacy and victim service programs started emerging across the U.S., demanding better protections, compensation, and inclusion of victims within the criminal justice system.

  • In 1975, the first local Victims’ Rights Week was organized by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, bringing early attention to the needs and rights of crime victims.

  • In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Later executive actions, such as Executive Order 12360 in 1982 establishing the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, helped formalize national leadership on victims’ rights. Department of Justice+1

  • Since then, NCVRW has been observed every April, usually highlighting both the progress made in victims’ rights and the work that remains to ensure justice, healing, and support for all victims of crime.

Alabama Crime Victims Rights Month 

Victims of Crime and Leniency has contacted the Office of Governor Kay Ivey to request a proclamation to declare April as Alabama Crime Victims Rights Month to align with NCVRW’s spring observance in 2026. We will post scheduled events across Alabama in order to commemorate crime victims across Alabama.

Date Event/Activity Location/Notes
April 1st Governors Proclamation Ceremony Montgomery, AL
April 6 - 12 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Alabama
April 11 Bridging Hope for Safer Communities - Jefferson County Sheriffs Office Community Event Bill Harris Arena Complex, 2340 Bessemer Road, Birmingham, AL 35208

How This Week & Month Help Our Community

Observing both NCVRW and Alabama Crime Victims' Rights Month:

  • Raises public awareness of victims’ rights and services

  • Honors survivors and family members affected by crime

  • Educates policy makers, professionals, and the public

  • Strengthens partnerships between agencies, advocates, and communities

  • Inspires action and volunteerism to improve access to support and justice for all victims

Our statewide observance will amplify voices that often go unheard and help ensure that no victim faces their journey alone.