Watch the Digital Desk segment with the Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Victim Services Unit.
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Victim Services Unit is set to host several events during National Crime Victim’s Rights Week (NCVRW).
All of the events are intended to raise awareness about the resources available, and the rights and needs of crime victims in the community.
Cities across Hampton Roads are focusing this week on the need to support victims.
Violent Crimes Specialist Tyrone George spoke to Host Sarah Goode at the Digital Desk about this week’s events and the services offered to the Hampton community. Watch the full segment in the video player on this page.
The Victim Services Unit is a full service office, offering different advocates for different types of crime.
George generally works on crimes against persons including gang-related, gun-related and drug-related cases.
“We meet people in some of their most vulnerable states,” George said. “Often when they get to court, in the aftermath of their serious victimization.”
Their office assists with a wide variety of resources. At court, staff could attend attorney meetings and are there to advocate for victims of crime.
“We walk with them through every stage of the court process, so that’s as early as a bond hearing, and arraignments all the way through trial and then hopefully through conviction and sentencing,” George said.
They can also provide referrals that potentially lead to counseling, housing or financial resources, connecting them with professionals for assistance.
George said for each person the office works with, it is unique. They try to meet each person where their needs are and assist them as much as possible.
This week began with the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Breakfast.
During the breakfast, community leaders, law enforcement officials, advocates and survivors addressed the challenges faced by crime victims and discuss available support services.
Lighting the Way to Healing took place on Wednesday, April 24. The event honors the courage and resilience of crime survivors and remembers those who have been impacted by crime. Due to inclement weather, the event was held at First Baptist Church in Hampton.
A few members of the community spoke at Wednesday night’s event.
One survivor of sexual assault spoke about her victimization and provided hope through her art and presentation.
Another person who was a victim of crime read the names of the homicide victims in Hampton since April 2023 through this year. The reading was followed by a moment of silence. George said it represented that the unit sees the hurt that is there in the community.
Members of the homicide support group that the Victim Services Unit has were present.
“[They] were representative of their loved ones that were lost and really were a reminder for us of the work that we have to do and the importance of the work that needs to be done,” George said.
Tonight, Hampton’s NCVRW wraps up with “Surviving the Edge,” a theatrical performance that explores the journey of crimes survivors during the aftermath. The performance takes place on Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Hampton.
All of the events are free and open to the public, however registration is required. To learn more about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and the events hosted by the Hampton
Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Victim Services Unit click here.
To find information for crime victims visit hampton.gov for Victim Services information.
Watch the Digital Desk segment for more information about Victim Services in Hampton.