National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Listening, Supporting, and Standing Survivors

Every April, we pause to recognize something that often goes unseen.

Not just crime.
But the people behind it.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19–25, 2026) is a time to honor survivors, recognize the progress made in victims’ rights, and recommit to supporting those whose lives have been impacted by crime.

But more than anything, it is a reminder that behind every statistic is a person. A story. A life that changed in an instant.

It Doesn’t End When the Incident Ends

For many victims, the hardest part is not just what happened.

It’s what comes after.

The confusion.
The fear.
The feeling of being alone in something no one else can fully understand.

Crime can leave lasting impacts that go far beyond the initial moment. Emotional, physical, financial, and psychological effects can follow survivors for years. And while the justice system plays an important role, healing often requires something deeper: support, dignity, and connection.

That’s what National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is about.

It challenges all of us to not just acknowledge victims, but to listen, act, and advocate in ways that help them move forward.

Progress Has Been Made, But the Work Isn’t Finished

Over the past several decades, there has been significant progress in recognizing and protecting the rights of crime victims.

Today, victims have rights to:

• Be treated with fairness and respect
• Be informed about their case
• Be heard during legal proceedings
• Receive support services and assistance
  
  

These rights did not happen overnight. They are the result of years of advocacy, legislation, and the work of countless individuals and organizations committed to making sure victims are not forgotten.

But even with that progress, gaps still exist.

Not every victim knows their rights.
Not every survivor has access to resources.
Not every person feels safe enough to come forward.

That is why awareness still matters.

What Support Really Looks Like

Supporting victims doesn’t always mean having the perfect words.

Sometimes it looks like:

• Believing someone when they share their story
• Connecting them to resources or services
• Respecting their privacy and their pace
• Creating environments where people feel safe asking for help

It also means recognizing that anyone can be impacted by crime.

A coworker.
A neighbor.
A friend.

Someone you pass every day without ever knowing what they’ve experienced.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week reminds us that support is not just something provided by professionals. It is something communities can offer every day.

The Role We All Play

One of the most powerful parts of this week is the idea that everyone has a role to play.

You don’t have to be in law enforcement.
You don’t have to be an advocate.

Awareness alone can change outcomes.

When people understand the signs of victimization, know where to direct someone for help, and are willing to speak up, it creates safer communities for everyone.

And for survivors, even one point of connection can make a difference.

A Small Tool That Can Make a Big Difference

For many victims, especially those impacted by domestic violence or human trafficking, something as simple as a phone can be life-changing.

A way to call for help.
A way to connect with a shelter.
A way to reach family, advocates, or services.

At 911 Cell Phone Bank, we work with law enforcement and victim service agencies to provide secure communication devices to individuals in crisis.

At the same time, we help organizations responsibly handle unused and unclaimed electronics by:

• Securely erasing data according to DoD NIST 800-88 Rev. 1 guidelines
• Reducing liability and protecting privacy
• Keeping devices out of landfills
  
  

Devices that once sat unused can become tools of safety and connection.

Moving Forward Together

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is not just about reflection.

It is about action.

It is about creating a world where survivors are heard, supported, and given the resources they need to rebuild.

And sometimes, that starts with something simple.

If your organization has unused or unclaimed devices, consider donating them to 911 Cell Phone Bank.

It is one small step that can:

• Support survivors
• Protect sensitive data
• Reduce environmental impact
  
  

Because when we support victims, we strengthen communities.

And when we work together, even small actions can create lasting change.

About the 911 Cell Phone Bank:

The 911 Cell Phone Bank is an initiative of The Charitable Recycling Foundation, Inc. an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax ID – 20-5050475).

We provide a 100% free service to individuals, businesses, and agencies across the country to securely recycle electronic devices that are no longer needed, including items left behind in lost-and-found or property-and-evidence rooms. Devices are securely data erased and provided to law enforcement and victim service agencies to assist victims of human trafficking and domestic violence through a self-sustaining program model.