2023 marks the 42nd Anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (“NCVRW”). a nationwide event to remember crime victims and survivors, and to honor those in our community committed to serving victims. The theme of this year’s event is “Survivors Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.”

The Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney (the office) will host programs, coordinate awareness campaigns, and facilitate community outreach to support and help victims of crime in the community.  A detailed list of this week’s events can be found below:

On Monday, April 24th at 11:00 a.m., the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney will host a resource event, within the West Hawai‘i Civic Center where attendees will be able to view “The Clothesline Project,” a visual display of t-shirts designed and decorated by victims of crimes. The public will also have an opportunity to paint a rock in honor of loved ones who have lost their lives due to crime through the Peace Garden project. These rocks will be displayed within the Prosecutor’s Kona Peace Garden.

On Thursday, April 27th at 11:00 a.m., the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney will host an event at the Hilo Peace Garden, located outside of the Prosecutor’s Hilo Office, within the Aupuni Center. During the event, Hawai‘i County Police Department officers will be sharing information on how police assist victims of crime. In addition, informational booths, the “Clothesline Project,” and other exhibits will be on display to provide victims of crime with important information on available resources in our community. The public will also have the opportunity to participate in decorating a memorial rock for the Hilo Peace Garden

In a press release Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen said, “Each year the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney participates in National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, where we host programs, coordinate awareness campaigns, and facilitate community outreach to support and help victims of crime in our community. Please join us at one of our events on Hawai‘i Island. Special mahalo to our Victim Assistance Unit, Restorative Justice Team, and Crime Prevention Unit for all of their hard work and coordination of this year’s festivities.”

 

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Facebook Page