National Crime Victims' Rights Week Event Set for April 19

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – The Jefferson Area Victim Assistance Coalition will host a Community Day this Sunday, April 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ntelos Wireless Pavilion on the downtown mall in Charlottesville to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19-15).

The Community Day, which is free and open to the public, has been planned as a family-friendly event with demonstrations and information available from dozens of local agencies. There will be plenty for kids to see and do, including police motorcycles, fire trucks, police cars, and demonstrations by local K9 Officers and therapy dogs. Many of the local agencies will have plenty of giveaways for the kids, bags, cups, bike helmets, Frisbees, key chains and more.

In addition, there will information available for parents, including DNA and fingerprinting kits available, anti-bullying information, tips on home safeguarding, self-defense and how to avoid falling victim to a scam.

The Jefferson Area Victim Assistance Coalition consists of members form the Albemarle Co. Victim/Witness Program, Charlottesville Victim/Witness Program, Fluvanna County Victim/Witness Program, Greene County Victim/Witness Program, Homeland Security Victim/Witness Program, Louisa County Victim/Witness Program, Sexual Assault Resource Agency, University of Virginia Victim/Witness Program and the United States Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Program.

Local Agencies participating in Sunday’s event include: Louisa Co. Sheriff’s Office, Albemarle Co. PD, Virginia State Police, Charlottesville Fire Department, Charlottesville PD, Jefferson Area Board for Aging, Legal Aid, Shelter for Help in Emergency, Sexual Assault Resource Agency, Jefferson Area Victim Witness Coalition, Offender Aid and Restoration, Foothills Child Advocacy Center, Readykids, Help Save the Next Girl, Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office, Albemarle Co. Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security, Women’s Initiative and the United States Attorney’s Office.