Franklin County Declares Support for Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Franklin County Commissioners have officially designated April 19-25, 2026, as Crime Victims’ Rights Week, signaling a renewed commitment to supporting survivors and ensuring their voices are heard within the criminal justice system. This proclamation underscores the county’s dedication to fostering an environment where victims feel believed and supported throughout their journey toward justice.

This annual observance serves as a reminder of the legal rights afforded to victims under both Pennsylvania and federal law, which guarantee their meaningful participation in legal proceedings. By upholding these rights, service providers, advocates, law enforcement, legal professionals, and other stakeholders can effectively assist survivors in achieving justice. The national theme for this year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week, “Community and Unity,” highlights the collaborative efforts between victims, survivors, and those who serve them, along with a broad network of allies, to identify and address victims’ needs through comprehensive and coordinated services.

Franklin County Commissioners John Flannery and Bob Ziobrowski, alongside District Attorney Ian Brink and representatives from the District Attorney’s office, juvenile probation, and WIN Victim Services, participated in the proclamation. The initiative emphasizes that survivors of crime are not alone and that healing and hope are attainable with the assistance of dedicated service providers, criminal justice professionals, and community members. These individuals are instrumental in ensuring that all victims receive the necessary support, assistance, and justice required for their recovery.

Across the nation, over 12,000 programs offer victim and community-based services aimed at aiding survivors and enhancing community safety. WIN Victim Services is a prominent example, having provided support to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Franklin and Fulton counties since 1976. Through its partnership with the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office and the county’s juvenile probation department, under the banner of Franklin County Victim Witness Services, the organization plays a crucial role in facilitating victim and witness participation in the criminal and juvenile justice processes. In the past year, this collaborative effort provided services to 825 crime victims. Of these, 701 were involved in the adult criminal court system, including 171 victims of domestic violence and 150 victims of sexual violence. An additional 124 individuals were victims of juvenile crime.

The Commissioners encourage all Franklin County residents to actively support individuals impacted by crime. This includes contributing to the creation of safe environments, ensuring access to essential resources, and fostering hope for a brighter future for survivors.

To mark the conclusion of Crime Victims’ Rights Week, WIN Victim Services will host a fundraising event, “Winning for WIN Bingo,” on April 26. The event will take place at the St. Thomas Township Fire and Rescue, located at 34 School House Road in St. Thomas. Doors will open at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at noon and bingo commencing at 1 p.m. All proceeds from the event will directly support WIN Victim Services’ ongoing efforts to assist crime victims and survivors. Further information about the organization and its services can be found at http://www.winservices.org.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County Commissioners

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