State Vigil will be Friday night at 7 pm in Montgomery.

Condolences goes out to Miriam Shehane's family. Miriam's brother-in law, Curtis Eiland, passed away last night. More information  later.

As advocates for victims of violent crime and their families, VOCAL has worked alongside officers and other members of law-enforcement since our inception. During that time, we have relied upon many dedicated and compassionate officers to help us in our mission to protect the lives and rights of victims. It is our belief that law enforcement officers are both the first line of defense against violence and a victim’s biggest advocate. Officers are often the ones to pick up the pieces after a traumatic event; they serve as a victim’s strongest protector and offer their support however it is most needed, whether it be to console and comfort a victim in pain or to testify on our behalf in court.

Thursday night, five police officers were ambushed and murdered in Dallas, Texas and seven more were severely injured. These officers illustrated true altruism in the face of evil by risking their lives to save protestors and other civilians caught in the line of fire. On July 7th, 2016, 12 of our protectors became victims, and as emotions continue to surge across the country, many more officers continue to face threats of violence. It is impossible to describe the shock and sorrow we feel at this loss. Our hearts and sympathies go out to the fallen officers and their families, as well as to the Dallas Police Department, in this time of mourning.

This summer has witnessed terrible atrocities, from the Orlando shootings to the Dallas attacks, and while our sorrow and heartache over these events will remain for many years to come, VOCAL will continue to stand in solidarity with law enforcement officers and the victims they serve and protect.

VOCAL has a scholarship endowment for dependents of homicide victims. Contact Auburn University for more information.

The Office of University Scholarships may be reached at 334-844-7570. Their staff will be able to direct the student on how they will need to apply for the scholarship.

Scholarship Details

Janette Grantham, Executive Director for V.O.C.A.L. was on WNCF's Your Community This Week which was recorded on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 but will air this Sunday on June 28th at 9am.  Tim Lennox, Alabama News Network Anchor, is the host of the show. The show is a 30 minute program that addresses the concern/issues of the River Region area.

HONORING THOSE WHO BRING HONOR TO VICTIMS IN SOUTHEAST ALABAMA

Angel House and V.O.C.A.L. are recognizing individuals that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims and victim services. As the discipline of crime victim services has grown over the years, so has the number of remarkable individuals that significantly contribute to its success. Today, the field includes countless people who through vision, action and leadership have improved the lives of victims in the aftermath of crime. We invite you to submit a nomination for one or more of five awards. In making your nominations, we encourage you to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the crime victims’ field and/or to crime victims. Recipients of the awards will be honored at the Governor’s Conference on April 23rd, as part of the national commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), which is scheduled for April 19-25, 2015.

Read more: NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK AWARDS