City of Boston recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week

On behalf of the City of Boston, Mayor Martin J. Walsh together with the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute are recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), which is marked across the United States from April 19-25. NCVRW is an opportunity to recommit to offering the resources necessary not only to stop violent crime and interrupt cycles of violence, but also to support the victims of crime in their healing and recovery. 

"I recognize that being forced to stay home more frequently increases risk for people who are not safe at home, and that isolation and social distancing can be particularly painful for those who have been the victims of crime," said Mayor Walsh. "While we do everything we can to fight the impact of COVID-19 in our communities, the City of Boston will continue to provide and promote resources for those who are facing or recovering from crime."

NCVRW is a time to raise awareness of issues facing crime victims and promote important resources and services available to victims of crime. The City of Boston together with our partner organizations offers resources to listen to and support crime victims as they press forward on a path toward justice and recovery. 

The City of Boston offers 24/7 support to any and all residents who feel impacted by community violence by calling the Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team hotline for immediate support: 617-431-0125. In addition, the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute serves as a center of healing, teaching and learning for families impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. The Peace Institute is available to families in the first 24-72 hours after a homicide. 

"As we focus our efforts on the crisis before us today, it is more important than ever that we remain mindful of the victims among us so to ensure they and their suffering do not get lost," said Peace Institute President Clementina Chéry. "We are proud to partner with the City of Boston, and we continue to serve families impacted by murder, grief, trauma and loss even as we embrace social distancing and other recommended practices that keep us all safer during this uncertain time."

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute is a partner to the City of Boston in serving survivors of homicide victims and all those in our community facing murder, trauma, grief, and loss. A support system is available at 617-825-1917. 

You can also learn how you or someone you know can get the help they need by visiting LDBpeaceinstitute.org. If you interested, you can share your survivor story on social media using #NCVRW2020 to inspire other victims in Boston to seek help and healing.