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The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 2-8, is hosting special events and programs to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and introduce the community to the important resources and services available.
A proclamation ceremony hosted by Sheriff Steve Prator and Project Celebration will kick off the week’s activities at 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 3, in the Centenary College Frost Rose Garden at 2911 Centenary Blvd. Other activities scheduled throughout the week include information booths and a blood drive.
Last year, over 5 million individuals were victims of crime, and millions more were the victims of property crime, according to a National Crime Victimization Survey conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Organizers of the 2017 NCVRW event say this year’s theme of “Strength. Resilience. Justice.” emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary responses and building the capacity of individuals, service providers, and communities to respond to crime and support the ongoing healing of victims and survivors.
“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a perfect opportunity to show our community that in Caddo Parish we have a network of advocates who work for our victims, and that there are resources available to help,” said Sheriff Steve Prator. “When victims feel understood and supported, they are more likely to seek these services.”
The community can receive information about available services by visiting any of three Information Booths that will be open next week. The Caddo Sheriff’s Office will have deputies available to provide information and answer questions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, at the Caddo Courthouse, 501 Texas Street; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, at the Shreveport City Courthouse, 1244 Texas Avenue; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, at the Shreve Memorial Library, 424 Texas Street.
The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office will host a Blood Drive on Wednesday from 12:30- 4:30 p.m. on the Marshall Street side of the Caddo Courthouse. Donors can pre-register to save time by contacting Leone Fitzgerald at 226-5904.
For information about receiving crime victims’ assistance in Caddo Parish, contact Caddo Sheriff’s Deputy Vickie Johnson at 681-0870. For additional information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, visit the OVC website at www.ovc.gov.
