VALOR

FOUNDER
Frank G. Camngton, Esq.
( I 936- 1 992)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Eric Smsth, Esq.
Founder
Victim Services Center

SECRETARYrrREASURER
William J. Olson, Esq.
Former Cliairman of rhe Board
Legal Services Corporation

Jane Nady Sigmon, Ph.D.
Former Director
Officefor Victims of Crime
U.S. Department of Justice

Mary Carrington
Mrs. Frank Carrington

The Honorable Edwin Meese, 111
Former U.S. Attorney General

J.A. Parker
President
Tlsfi I i>~rnJn Institl~t~7

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Moma A. Murray, Esq.
VICTIMS' ASSISTANCE LEGAL ORGANIZATION, INC.

8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1070, McLean, Virginia 22102-3823
          Telephone (703) 748-0811
          Facsimile (703) 356-5085
January 1, l999

Dear Colleague:

This year, we commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week with the theme, "Victims ' Voices: Silent No More. " What
a fitting theme for crime victims and those who serve them! During the week of April 25 to May l, 1999, we have the
opportunity to promote victims' rights and services, and offer vital information and resources to victims who need support and
assistance. It is indeed an honor to join together with crime victims and the countless volunteers and professionals who
dedicate their lives to ensuring that victims' voices and needs are heard and heeded throughout our iustice system, and in
communities large and small across our nation.

Victims' voices have left a powerful imprint on the face of American society. Today, over l0,000 community- and
system-based organizations provide assistance and support to victims of crime. Victims' rights are defined in nearly 30,000
federal and state statutes, including 32 state-level constitutional amendments. Myriad partnerships have developed among
victim advocates, justice professionals, public policymakers, the faith community, social service organizations, schools, and
community groups to protect victims' rights, and to expand greatly needed services. These and other admirable efforts are
propelled by the powerful voices of victims, and the poignancy of individual stories of pain and suffering.

VALOR, the Victims' Assistance Legal Organization, is pleased to have the opportunity to produce the l999 National Crime
Victims' Rights Week Resource Guide with support from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. This
Resource Guide contains a variety of materials and ideas that will help you plan your community and statewide activities to
commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week. VALOR is extremely grateful for the outstanding efforts of consultants
Anne Seymour, Jann Taylor, and Christine Edmunds in producing this year's Guide.

Winston Churchill once said, "The right to speak must be earned by having something to say." Crime victims in America and
those who serve them have, indeed, earned the right to speak out about the importance of guaranteeing safety, support, and
services to those in our communites who have been hurt by crime. We hope that this Resource Guide helps you in your efforts
to speak out and to amplify the voices of victims. And as we speak out, let us also listen carefully to the voices of victims, the
voices of strength and truth, as they point out the way to true justice for all.