Each April since 1981, the Office for Victimes of Crime (OVC) has helped lead 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.

Cheryle Vinyard, the Victim Witness Coordinator through the office of the District Attorney in Jackson County, asks everyone to join them and OVC in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week this week. The theme for NCVRW 2012 is “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim”.

If you are a vidtim of crime, victim service providers can help you stay infomed about court dates and other important dates, seek protective orders and make a safety paln, accompany you to court, prepare a victim impact statement, apply for victim compensation, and help in many other ways to make your legal rights a reality.

“We’re here to help you,” said Vinyard, “call us.” Contact Vinyard through the Jackson County office at 580-482-5334, or the Kiowa County office at 580-726-3335.