National Crime Victims' Rights Week

April 21 – 27, 2024

Every April, the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities nationwide in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.

This year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be commemorated on April 21 – 27, 2024. This year’s theme is “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.

The 2024 theme asks all of us—friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, community leaders, victim service providers, criminal justice practitioners, and health professionals—how we can help crime victims. Are you prepared if someone confides in you about a victimization? Is your organization victim-centered and trauma-informed? Are you familiar with the services available in your community?

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NCVRW Candlelight Vigil

Join us Saturday, April 27th from 5:30pm -7:00pm at the Children’s Memorial Park for our annual NCVRW Candlelight Vigil. Survivors are encouraged to bring an 8 by 10 image or smaller for the community altar during the event.

Children’s Memorial Park (Ramada 3)

4875 N 15th Pl.| Tucson, AZ 85704

April 27, 2024

5:30pm – 7:00pm

It will be a powerful evening of hope and healing as Survivor’s share their story and we honor our loved ones in community. This is a free event and all are welcome to attend! 

Every April, the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.

This year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be commemorated April 18– 24, 2021. This year’s theme is “Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.” This year’s theme celebrates the progress made by those before us as we look to a future of crime victim services that is even more inclusive and accessible. Click here to learn more about Arizona victims’ right laws.

Emotional Wellness Workshop

Join us for our Emotional Wellness Workshop in collaboration with Yoga teacher Matty Tampio as part of National Crime Victims Rights Week. In this workshop, Survivors will explore different yoga poses suitable for beginners and mindfulness exercises as modalities for emotional well-being while navigating traumatic grief.

  • RSVP is required; please RSVP by April 19.
  • This is a free workshop for crime victims.
  • The workshop is for adults and children seven or older.

Matty Tampio is a certified RYT-200 Yoga Teacher who calls Tucson home. Matty is passionate about yoga as therapy for trauma, addiction, PTSD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and stress. Her focus is currently Hatha style yoga, which is slow and gentle, alignment and safety centered, and suitable for beginners and all levels. When not practicing yoga, she works for Amity Foundation, a Teaching and Therapeutic Community, where she runs a plant-based bakery, teaches yoga, and engages with students on their road to recovery. Matty attributes yoga as the cornerstone of her own healing, and it is her wish to offer it to others.

Instagram Live: Supporting Crime Victims

Join our Victim Advocate Paula Lopez on Instagram Live to discuss the impacts of homicide, hope, and support with crime victims and community members. We hope that through these conversations, not only do we increase awareness about the impacts of homicide but also provide some solace for other Survivors in their grief journey. 

Follow @homicide_survivors on Instagram to get notified when we go live. Please note that the times below are in Pacific Time.

  • 9:00 am – Jessica Davis, Survivor & Board Member
  • 10:00am – Kimiko Washington-Jones, Survivor 
  • 10:30am – Anita Mealey Peppers, Advocate at  Arizona Child & Adolescent Survivor Initiative
  • 11:30am – April Barbosa, Survivor & founder of Justice For Rosaura.
 

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this book are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Homicide Survivors, Inc.*

Q&A Session with Rick Unklesbay

Join us for our Q&A Session with Rick Unklesbay, author of ‘Arbitrary Death.’ In this session, we will discuss emotional well-being, tips for aspiring authors and explore ways our community can extend crucial support to crime victims.

  • RSVP is required; please RSVP by April 21.
  • This event is open to the public.  You do not need to donate to participate. 
  • This Q & A Session is for Adults 18 and older.
  • The location will be disclosed after you RSVP.

You can purchase the book on Amazon.com, or if you are located in Tucson, AZ, you can purchase and pick up the book directly from Homicide Survivors, Inc. by emailing [email protected] or buy it at the event ( while supplies last).  A portion of the sales from the book will directly benefit HSI. 

National Day of Remembrance
Survivor Picnic

Join us on Saturday, September 21st to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance with a survivor picnic to honor loved ones lost to violence in our community.  The event will include food, drinks, and a craft activity for you to take home.

Arizona Gives Day is April 4th!

Every year, families in our community are shattered by the loss of a loved one to homicide. Please consider joining us this Arizona Gives Day and donating to our cause. Your contribution will ensure we continue to provide services to Survivors, such as advocacy, support and assistance.