What is NCVRW?

By Gabrielle Woolman, Honors Program

In the year 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reported an astounding 6.6 million violent victimizations of people aged 12 and older, and approximately only 42% victimizations were reported to the police. These statistics are the exact reason for why National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is recognized every year in Iowa and across the nation. One week in April may seem small, but it touches the lives of countless individuals (victims, survivors, or even those showing support) by providing communities with the opportunity to show their unwavering assistance, raise awareness of Crime Victims’ Rights, and promote helpful services and resources. This week is also an important time for recognizing the progress of Crime Victims’ Rights, reflecting on how far they have come, and learning how NCVRW was initiated. 

According to Voice for Victims, the 1970s paved the way for the Victims’ Rights Movement when it was observed that the “scales of justice tipped heavily in favor of the accused while victims were treated with disinterest.” In response, the Reagan Administration conducted a study on violent crime, and the results alerted the U.S. Attorney General by revealing that such victims were being poorly treated by the criminal justice system. This outcome sparked another study researching how this treatment could be improved, and shortly after, in April of 1982, President Ronald Reagan “led the nation into a new era in the treatment of victims.” He issued Executive Order 12360 which instituted the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime and outlined three main functions: (1) “conduct a review of national, state and local policies and programs affecting victims of crime”; (2) “work with the Cabinet Council on Legal Policy”; (3) “advise the President and Attorney General with respect to actions which can be undertaken to improve our efforts to assist and protect victims of crime.” 

After the Executive Order was implemented, the Task Force members were quickly educated on victims’ rights (or rather the lack thereof) and the unavailability of services and resources. As a result, in December 1982, the Task Force presented President Ronald Reagan with a report consisting of 68 recommendations, including suggestions to provide federal funding to assist agencies with victims of crime and implementing training programs in the criminal justice system to improve the treatment of victims. One of the most notable propositions stated that both state and federal laws should be passed in order to “protect all citizens and…recognize society’s interest in assisting the innocent to recover from victimization.” The Office for Victims of Crime (O.V.C.) was born from these recommendations and has overseen organizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week since 1988. The O.V.C., through the Crime Victims Fund, can provide continuous aid to victims across the country and support them in their recovery. 

The O.V.C.’s involvement in NCVRW enables communities to raise awareness of crime victims’ rights by spreading the word through events and community-based activities. Perhaps the best example of this in the state of Iowa is DMACC’s unparalleled ability to engage all community members (not just students, faculty, and staff) in the support of victims and survivors. In fact, Dr. Samantha O’Hara, the Criminal Justice Program Chair on the DMACC Ankeny Campus, stated, “We are a community first and foremost at DMACC, and as a community, it’s crucial that we listen to victims and support them throughout the criminal justice process and beyond. By providing a variety of educational and awareness-building opportunities, our goal is to help everyone feel more connected to available resources and services.” This goes well with this year’s NCVRW theme of KINSHIP, which is the very heart of crime victims’ rights and drives connections by allowing everyone involved to recognize that the healing of victims and survivors can and should be done together as a community. 

Join the DMACC community during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to show YOUR support of crime victims and survivors. 

National Crime Victims Rights Week: What is it and Why is it Important?

By Leya Williamson, Honors Program

Violence can happen to anyone, no matter your race, gender, sexuality, beliefs, economic status, etc. It can also present itself in many ways, including physical or physiological experiences or even just threats to your wellbeing. Many who have experienced violence find it hard to access resources or even feel they cannot express their pain to others or ask for help; this is why it’s important to offer safe spaces and raise awareness.

At DMACC, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is held annually in April, with this year’s event spanning from 7-11, 2025. The college will host guest speakers focusing on awareness and education about crime victims’ rights and tables with people there to discuss these issues as well. But why is Crime Victims’ Rights Week so important? This week helps many people in so many ways, such as raising awareness about victims’ rights, promoting policies and laws that could support victims, and advocating for those who have gone through these tribulations; just to name a few reasons.

Around 5 million people become the victims of violent crime annually, including rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and more. Being a victim of these traumatic crimes can, in most cases, create long-lasting impacts on someone, and can sometimes create secondary problems like loss of relationships, mental health issues, physical problems, and negative impact on occupational and societal function. Because of the prevalence and effects of crimes and victims of crimes, communities and governments have a responsibility to come up with ways to support these victims. This is exactly the type of solution the Victim’s Right Movement has created.

The Victim’s Rights Movement was presented in 1970, making for a crucial shift in criminal justice. Historically, victims of crimes, especially domestic violence or sexual assault, were overlooked in the criminal legal process and did not receive adequate help or justice. The movement came about to help and recognize the rights of victims and provide them with basic services. Victims’ rights continue to evolve and more people are learning about and recognizing these rights through the annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in April (Linares et al.).

Crime Victims Right Week started in 1981 as a way to achieve justice for those who have become victims of crimes and has since then been recognized every April. It has become a dedicated way to teach and learn about victimization, and the effects that it has on individuals, families, friends, and communities. It is also there to promote laws and resources to help those in need.

In 1988, the Office of Victims of Crimes (OVC) was established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA). There is also the Victim Services Division, connected to the FBI, that informs and supports victims by investigating the crime they were a part of and receive services such as crisis intervention, counseling, housing, and other critical resources. In the 1960s to 1970s, victim assistance programs were founded in three states, and in Texas Senator Yarborough made the first federal crime victims compensation bill in 1965, which was established as law in 1979. In the 1980s, there was increased recommendation to President Reagan for laws at both the State and Federal levels to protect and recognize societies interest in assisting victims to recover, and recommendations from the Task Force to Congress to provide federal funding and assistance to victim assistance organizations. In 1983, Congress established the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), this act has allowed OVC fund support and services for victims of crimes in every State; their mission has included sponsoring programs and resources that help support these victims of many crimes.

Since the start of the Victims Rights Movement, people have been finding different ways to help and express the importance of these rights. These are just some of the National opportunities for support if you are a victim of a crime, but there are also many great local options here in Iowa. On the DMACC NCVRW page, there are links to many different support efforts including those for families effected, domestic violence, human trafficking, identity theft, mental health regarding victimization, sexual assault and harassment, support groups, and many others. You can learn more about these different opportunities during the week of April 7 at any of the DMACC campuses. There will be tables with information and activities such as a mandala art workshop hosted by Kate Burgess and student displays, and guest speakers like author Cheyene Hanson, first responders, and others tied to organizations there to inform and share their experiences and help others with their knowledge. It is worth checking out and to learn more about the topic and ways you can help the community and people in need.

Victims of Digital Finance Abuse

By Quincy Jagnow, Honors Program

Moving in step with the evolution of technology is our society’s increased engagement with it; including, and perhaps especially our elders. The Millennial and Gen Z generations are relatively privy to digital financial scams. Typically, we can recognize them in an instant. Evidence suggests, however, that this is not the case with older adults.

According to a report in 2024 from the FBI, scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with the average victim of elder fraud losing $33,915 due to these crimes. According to the National Council on Aging, the elderly are particular targets of financial crime due to their perceived abundance of income and their potential inability or lack of desire to do anything about being taken advantage of.

Financial abuse is defined as “a tactic used by abusers to gain power and control in a relationship. It includes tactics to conceal information, limit the victims access to assets, or reduce the accessibility to the family finances.” Perpetrators of these crimes can range from close family members to strangers on the other side of the world. What ought we do?

With no end to these types of crimes in sight, we must make an effort to educate ourselves and those around us (particularly our elders). This is why Justice Clearinghouse is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, April 1st, from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM central time to raise awareness about the issue, recognize the types of financial fraud targeting older adults, identify how technology is used to perpetrate these crimes, and explore strategies to support older adult victims of financial abuse or fraud.

To register for the webinar, search “ovc.ojp.gov/events,” where you’ll find a link to the event. For more general information, visit the DMACC website and search for “National Crime Victim’s Right Week,” where you’ll find access to a plethora of resources and events happening on our campuses throughout the week.