News Flash

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 8-14

Community Services Liaison Officers Host Events

DURHAM, N.C. - Durham Police Department’s Community Services Division, in commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 8-14, 2018, is hosting two outreach events to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and introduce the community to the important resources and services available. According to the most recent Bureau of Justice Statistics survey, victims experience more than 5 million violent crimes and nearly 15 million property victimizations a year.

This year Durham Police Department’s Hispanic Liaison Officer and the LGBTQ Liaison Officer are hosting outreach events to strengthen police-community relationships within the respective populations.

Wednesday, April 11: Hispanic Community Outreach, 5 p.m.— 8 p.m. 

El Centro Hispano (2000 Chapel Hill Road)

Meet DPD’s Hispanic Liaison Officer and Victim Services staff, learn about services and resources, pick up giveaways and enjoy refreshments.

Wednesday, April 18: Community Discussions on Hate and Bias Crimes, 6 p.m.—9 p.m.,

NCCU Student Union Building, Room 146 (1801 Fayetteville St. #125)

DPD’s LGBTQ Liaison Officer will host a panel discussion to address legal concerns of LGBTQ residents

and to raise awareness of City of Durham policies.

For more details about the department’s 2018 observance, visit the police department website, www.durhampolice.com. For information on how to assist victims in your community, contact

Jennifer Hinchey, Victim/Witness Services Coordinator, (919) 560-4951 ext. 29291 or email [email protected].

DPD’s Victim Services Unit

The Durham Police Department’s Victim Services Unit was established in 1997 - a significant milestone in positioning the agency to better implement, and advocate for, services that reinforce victims’ rights. DPD Victim Advocates provide crisis intervention services; coordinate referrals to community resources; lend investigative support to DPD units and agencies; provide assistance to victims when completing/filing victim compensation forms; advise victims of their rights; educate victims about the criminal justice system and what to expect; and, upon request, accompany clients to medical appointments. In 2017 the Victim Services Unit handled 2,733 cases.

National Office for Victim of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the U.S. Department of Justice leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme—Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims—highlights how the investment of communities in crime victims expands the opportunity for victims to disclose their victimization, connect with services, and receive the support they need. The theme also acknowledges the many barriers facing victims of crime especially those with disabilities, LGBTQ victims, older adults, speakers with limited English proficiency, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and others from historically marginalized communities.