The Tom Green County Coalition Against Violence, in commemoration of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 2-8, 2017, is hosting a Crime Victims' Rights Rally, to raise awareness about crime victims' issues and rights and introduce the community to the important resources and services available.

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Last year, over 5 million individuals were a victim of a crime, and there were nearly 15 million property victimizations (according to the 2015 National Crime Victimization Survey conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics).

Please join this rally to recognize the strength and courage of all victims of crime.

The Crime Victims' Rights Week Rally is this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the San Angelo Visitor Center. There will be a short ceremony and then a balloon release.

The Tom Green County Coalition Against Violence meets monthly  to support victims of violent crimes and to assist them in regaining control of their lives.  The coalition advocates for no tolerance of violence in the community.  The mission is to provide community awareness, professional education and training to support victims of violence.

For ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit the OVC website, www.ovc.gov or contact Carol Salazar with the Tom Green County Coalition Against Violence at 325-658-8631.

The Tom Green County Coalition Against Violence is also honoring local law enforcement, champions in advocating for expanded support and services to communities affected by crime.

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, April 2-8, by promoting victims' rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.  This year's theme – Strength. Resilience. Justice. – emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary responses and building the capacity of individuals, service providers, and communities to respond to crime and support the ongoing healing of victims and survivors.

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