Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has been a time to renew commitments to serving the victims of crime, acknowledge achievements in victim services and honor those who have gone above and beyond in their service to others.

Every April, the Office for Victims of Crime leads communities across the country in annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and last week the public was invited to gather in front of the Cherokee County Courthouse for a special program both honoring and remembering crime victims and their families. 

The program included two Crime Victim Service Officers with the District Attorney’s Office: Abby Dawson and Sherry Stewart, who help crime victims locally on a number of levels which includes providing information and encouragement during the recovery process.

There were a number of guest speakers – including Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver and Lori Harris, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center among others – with Mike O’Dell, District Attorney providing the keynote address.

O’Dell stressed the healing influence provided by Victims Service Officers:

This year’s theme – “Support Victims.  Build Trust.  Engage Communities.” – emphasizes the importance of leveraging community support to help victims of crime.

To hear the program in its entirety simply click the link provided

View the 2021 NCVRW Resource Guide