Victims’ rights organization receives grant to promote victims’ rights awareness for 2024 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center received funding from the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. These grants are used to promote community awareness of crime victims’ rights and services during the 2024 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week which takes place April 21-27 this year. MCVRC is one of the 105 recommended by NAVAA and selected for funding by OVC for 2024 from the 223 applications that were submitted nationwide.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was first designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 to increase the general public’s awareness of, and knowledge about, the wide range of rights and services available to people who have been victimized by crime. The theme for 2024 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is “How Would You Help? Options, services and hope for crime survivors.”

As many Marylanders know, Stephanie Roper was abducted, raped, tortured and murdered in 1982, just one year after the first NCVRW. Her parents, Vince and Roberta, were excluded from court proceedings and did not have rights in the courtroom and trial process. Their daughter’s murder and their treatment in court fueled her parents into advocating for victims’ rights both locally and nationally. In fact, the national Crime Victims’ Rights Act of 2004 was named, in part, for Stephanie Roper.

Forty-two years later, the organization founded by her parents, MCVRC, is hosting its 3rd Annual Make a Difference 5k and Resource Fair. This event creates a safe space for victims and their families. This annual event allows families to come together and remember their loved ones and allows attendees to learn, create comradery and heal. The event is open to the public to learn about rights and resources available to all. The 5k and resource fair will take place on Saturday, April 21, at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro kicking off NCVRW.

“The support from NAVAA and OVC for our 2024 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities will help us help crime victims,” said Roberta Roper, founder of MCVRC. “Members of our community are encouraged to help promote justice through service to crime victims by joining our 2024 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities and supporting victim assistance programs on a daily basis.”

For additional information about 2024 Make a Difference 5k and Resource Fair or about victims’ rights and services in Maryland, please contact MCVRC PR/Development Specialist, Sandra Sanna-Buckles at 240-335-4037 or ssannabuckles@mdcrimevictims.org.