Alaska ranks in the top ten percent per capita in violent crimes (#8), aggravated assault (#6), and forcible rape (#1) (U.S. Disaster Center, 2004-2005 data) and in the top five states for per capita rates of domestic violence (Alaska Family Violence Prevention Project, 2006).

Every year National Crime Victims’ Rights Week takes place in April —a time for all Americans to learn about victimization, reflect on the cost of crime to our society, and promote laws, policies, and programs to help victims of crime rebuild their lives.  

Thank you to our 2008 sponsor:  
Anchorage Police Department Employees Association

Information on NCVRW 2009 will be posted as soon as it is available.  

National Crime Victims Rights Week -  Awards Banquet  
Saturday directly before NCVRW (April 2009), location and time TBD.

The Victims for Justice Annual Awards Banquet is the kick-off event for NCVRW.  Our keynote speaker discusses current issues relating to victims and victim rights, followed by a series of six awards recognizing victims, volunteers, and professionals who have made a difference in the fight for victims' rights.  The awardees are celebrated after a formal dinner, followed by rousing activities to benefit Victims for Justice.

Award categories are:

The VFJ Tree Ceremony is a centerpiece for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  For twenty year, VFJ has honored victims of violent crime at this event.  Ten community members are selected to place colored bows representing ten types of violent crime on the branches of the tree:  Crimes Against Those in Uniform; Homicide; Kidnapping and Hostage; Domestic Violence; Sexual Assault; Hate Crimes; Child Abuse; Robbery; Assault; and Drunk Driving.

The guests in attendance are then invited to tie ribbons, in the same ten colors, on the branches to represent themselves or others who have experienced violent crime.  This event is free to the public.

We would like to thank all the participating agencies involved in National Crime Victims' Rights Week 2008: