DES Recognizes National Crime Victims Rights Week

Serving Victims. Building Trust. Raising Hope.

In 1981, then President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first national “Crime Victims Week” in April. This year, April 10th through the 16th is recognized as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The theme is Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope. 

"It is the primary function of government – and the moral responsibility of all of us – to honor the rights of victims, to ensure they’re heard, that they’re treated with dignity respect and fairness, and that they’re offered accessible and appropriate support and services in the aftermath of crime,” said Governor Doug Ducey. 

Serving Victims. Building Trust. Raising Hope. This year’s theme is not only in recognition of past victims and the families who suffer alongside them, but also in hope of raising awareness and to encourage those that have not yet come forward that there is hope and healing. 

"It is brutal enough to have a loved one murdered,” said Director Jeffries in 2013, then the president of National Justice Project. “It is brutal enough to suffer rape, felonious assault. I can assure you it's even more brutal in the 17 states in our country where there are no constitutional state protections.” His own brother was brutally murdered in November 1981. 

Across the county, families of victims mourn for those they’ve lost, but they continue to fight for the right to be heard. At an event on Monday, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery said, “When it comes to victims’ rights, that’s a category of accomplishment that (Arizona) can be very proud of. We lead the nation; I would say that we are at the forefront of recognizing that justice is not a zero-sum game. The criminal justice system as a whole is still engaged in a cultural shift to recognizing that victims are more than a piece of evidence.” 

Governor Ducey said, “Many of them have overcome tragedy and hardship that most of us can’t even fathom. But rather than letting it keep them down, they’ve used it as an opportunity to lift others up. Because here’s the thing: if you’re a victim, you’re not alone.” 

The Department of Economic Security (DES) also serves victims. From our Adult Protective Services colleagues to our colleagues in the Office of Inspector General, care of the vulnerable is entrusted to all; to serve all Arizonans with the utmost care. None are more vulnerable than those who have suffered a crime and who have lost faith in the system. It is our responsibility to carry out our jobs in such a way that we serve our clients, build their trust and raise their hope. Only then can true healing take place.