Overview of the Resource Guide

Welcome to the 2004 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Resource Guide, published by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, in conjunction with Justice Solutions. The Resource Guide is a core component of OVC's new National Victim and Public Awareness Strategy that is designed to increase opportunities for awareness about victims' rights and services nationwide. National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) will be observed April 18-24, 2004.

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the official commemoration of NCVRW, celebrated nationwide by crime victims, survivors, and those who serve them. It is also the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which in 1984 established the Crime Victims Fund to provide support for victim services through fines and fees levied against Federal offenders.

The theme for 2004 NCVRW is "Victims' Rights: America's Values." This year's text resources and graphic artwork are designed to illustrate our shared values: dignity and compassion for victims, safety for individuals and communities, and support for victims' rights and services from everyone who is in a position to assist victims and survivors of crime. This year's theme colors are Pantone 471 and white. When printing, use Pantone 471 and screen tints of black.

As always, your Resource Guide includes: public education and community awareness materials; information about electronic resources available from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service and Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center; a comprehensive web site listing; resources to engage the news media in promoting NCVRW; resources to maximize communication and public awareness; statistical overviews that address 20 topics relevant to crime and victimization; a listing of toll-free numbers for victim assistance; and camera-ready artwork for print public service announcements, bookmarks, buttons, ribbon cards, bumper stickers, a cover page for NCVRW-related documents, and the 2004 NCVRW letterhead.

New additions to this year's Guide include: an introductory theme DVD that illustrates "Victims' Rights: America's Values" and highlights victims' rights and services; a CD with electronic versions of camera-ready artwork; a crime stats sheet highlighting a timeline of victimization; a summary of OVC's many accomplishments; guidelines for how to sponsor a student poster and essay contest; and a summary of the impact of the Crime Victims Fund on the fields of victim assistance and criminal and juvenile justice over the past two decades.

This Guide is designed to help victim service providers and allied professionals plan and implement public awareness activities to commemorate 2004 NCVRW, and to promote victims' rights and services throughout the year. Please take a few moments to review the following outline of the Resource Guide.

1. OVERVIEW OF RESOURCE GUIDE

On each section's cover page, you will find detailed information about the specific content and suggested uses. These tips provide helpful ideas for utilizing these valuable resources to ensure the most effective commemoration of 2004 National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

2. MAXIMIZING COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS

• Sample Speech
• Sample Proclamation
• Twenty Tips for Community Awareness and Public Education
• Guidelines for Sponsoring a Student Poster and Essay Contest
• Commemorative Calendar

3. CAMERA-READY ARTWORK

• Public Awareness Theme Poster
• Three Print Public Service Announcements
• Logos and Buttons
• Bookmarks
• Ribbon Cards
• Cover/Title Page
• 2004 NCVRW Letterhead
• Bumper Stickers
• National Toll-free Information and Referral Telephone Numbers
• Crime Stats Sheet
• Certificate of Appreciation

4. WORKING WITH THE MEDIA

• Sample Press Release
• Sample Broadcast Public Service Announcements
• Sample Opinion/Editorial Column

5. LANDMARKS IN VICTIMS' RIGHTS AND SERVICES

• Crime Victims' Rights in America: A Historical Overview
• The Office for Victims of Crime: Looking Back, Moving Forward
• The Crime Victims Fund: Two Decades of Making a Difference

6. STATISTICAL OVERVIEWS AND RESOURCES

• Child Abuse and Victimization
• Cost of Crime and Victimization
• Crime in Higher Education
• Crime and Victimization
• Cybercrime Victimization
• Domestic Violence
• Drunk Driving
• Elder Crime and Victimization
• Financial Crime
• Hate and Bias Crime Victimization
• Homicide
• Juvenile Crime and Victimization
• Mental Health Issues of Victims
• Rape and Sexual Assault
• School Crime and Victimization
• Stalking
• Substance Abuse and Crime Victimization
• Terrorism and Mass Violence
• Victims with Disabilities
• Workplace Violence and Victimization
• Accessing Information: OVC Resource Center and Other Services
• NCVRW Resource Guide Co-sponsors
• Resource Guide Evaluation Form

INTRODUCTORY THEME DVD

This exciting new addition will help you illustrate this year's theme, highlighting our shared values that encompass victims' rights and services. Use it to kick off your awareness events, awards ceremonies, training conferences, and other outreach efforts during NCVRW and throughout the year.

ARTWORK CD

The CD contains electronic versions of all the camera-ready materials. You can have your printer create the artwork as is, or customize it with your organization's information.

FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION POSTER

The Office for Victims of Crime is pleased to offer a graphically designed, two-color, 22'' x 28'' theme poster to enhance your public education efforts during National Crime Victims' Rights Week and throughout the year. You will automatically receive one copy. To receive a limited number of additional copies, please contact the Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center at 800-851-3420.