Sample Press Release

"A Nation Unites for Victims Rights"
(Community) to Participate in
Nationwide Commemoration of National Crime Victims' Rights Week

(City/State) - Communities across America will join together on Thursday, April 10 to honor crime victims and those who serve them, in conjunction with the 23^rd commemoration of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. "A Nation Unites for Victims' Rights" National Candlelight Observance will be sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime on April 10 at the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial in Washington, D.C. Here in (community), our concurrent ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. at (location), located at (address).

In keeping with this year's theme - "Victims' Rights: Fulfill the Promise" - participants will be encouraged to write a "promise" to crime victims that can help them recover in the aftermath of crime; access supportive services in our community; or be assisted with the implementation of their rights. Our individual "promises" will be prominently displayed together to emphasize our community's commitment to crime victims.

Co-sponsors of "A Nation Unites for Victims' Rights" here in (community) include: (list all co-sponsoring agencies).

Speakers for this special ceremony will include: (list speakers and dignitaries). Music will be provided by (musical group/s). (Community's) observance of "A National Unites for Victims' Rights" will conclude with a candle lighting ceremony.

Anyone who has been touched by crime, or anyone who is concerned about safety in our homes, schools, neighborhood and community, is encouraged to attend. All participants will be provided with a National Crime Victims' Rights Week button, and commemorative ribbon lapel pin, to show unity in support of crime victims. Resources about victim service programs and crime victim assistance in (community) will also be available.

According to (USDOJ/OVC spokesperson), this inaugural nationwide event provides us with the opportunity to honor crime victims, and recognize the devastating impact of crime on individuals and communities.

"When we join together across America on April 10, we will send a strong message to crime victims in our nation that we care about them, and that we stand ready to provide them with support and services," (spokesperson) said.

Local event coordinator (name of coordinator) noted the significance of this first-ever nationwide observance to recognize victims' rights and needs.

"We are so pleased to join together with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, and countless other communities across America on April 10," (spokesperson) noted. "In making our promises and lighting candles together in unison with thousands of people across the nation, we re-commit our individual and collective energies to better serve those among us who have been hurt by crime."

"We hope members of our community will join us on April 10 to show our concern for, and commitment to, victims of crime in (city/state)," (spokesperson) concluded.

For additional information about "A Nation Unites for Victims' Rights" in (community), please contact (name/title) at (area code/telephone number); via e-mail at (e-mail address); or visit our web site at (web site address).

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