Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) staff were involved in numerous observances across California in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Week kicks off with headquarters event
On April 22, OVSRS joined other CDCR divisions by hosting an ice cream social at CDCR Headquarters to kick off National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The event recognized the resilience of victims while honoring the dedication of those who established, pursued, and continue to dedicate their time to assist victims recovering from crime.
The event featured remarks by Division of Adult Institutions Director Ron Broomfield, Secretary Jeff Macomber, OVSRS Chief Katie James, Assistant Chief Mike Young and CDCR’s Peer Support group. There was also a butterfly display, offering staff the opportunity to write encouraging messages of how they could help.
Tables with OVSRS resources and informational materials was available all week long for staff in the headquarters lobby.
Yolo County ceremony recognizes victims
On April 23, OVSRS staff attended the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office 18th annual Victim Recognition Ceremony. The ceremony included guest speakers Susana Resendiz and Kathy Harrison, both parents of survivors of DUI victims. They spoke about the resilience of their daughters during trying times.
California Institution for Men hosts crime victims conference
On April 25, Tammy Fenton, Victim Services Manager, and Ashley Zaragoza, Victim Services Liaison, attended the 2024 crime victims conference at California Institution for Men. The event was hosted by the Just Us 4 Youth program. OVSRS was invited as keynote presenters and discussed the Accountability Letter Bank program. The conference had 90 attendees including various restorative justice programs and incarcerated residents.
Just Us 4 Youth recorded the conference to play throughout the institution’s yards for those incarcerated residents not in attendance. OVSRS staff were able to network with restorative justice programs and facilitators. They were also able to provide information about the ALB program to stakeholders and the incarcerated population.
Submitted by OVSRS
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