Palm Beach County Victims’ Rights Coalition Committed to Successful 2019 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week; April 7th – 13th

West Palm Beach, FL, March 30, 2019 --(PR.com)-- Multi-agency effort “Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.”

Each year, communities across the nation set the second week of April aside as a time to not only honor those who preceded us by laying the groundwork for victims’ rights, but also as a rededication of our commitment to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for crime victims.

The Palm Beach County Victims’ Rights Coalition unites county law enforcement, victims’ advocates, and community to build awareness around victimization and its effects on individuals, families, and the community while promoting policies to help victims of crime.

This year’s opening ceremony and press conference will be held on April 8th, at 8:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the West Palm Beach Police Department. A crime victim impact statement will be shared to illustrate the far-reaching effects of criminality.

Coleen LaCosta, coalition member, child advocate, and Executive Director of Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County, the nonprofit support of the local Guardian ad Litem Program where volunteers advocate for child victims of abuse, says, “The week’s activities will be tremendously impactful and empowering; not just for victims of crime, but for all our residents.”

Planned awareness events include a movie screening, pop-up art exhibit, 8th annual Ceremony in the Garden, and learning opportunities surrounding child sexual abuse, and female self-defense. “When planning this out, we hoped to appeal to a wide variety of residents because the message is so important.”

The program includes the 39th Annual Crime Victims’ Rights Week Awards Luncheon to be held on April 12th at 11 a.m. at the Embassy Suites – West Palm Beach, the penultimate event of the weeks’ festivities. A courageous and compelling keynote address will be delivered by Wren & Roch founders, Karen Hansen and Laura Rachlin, whose mission it is to promote respect and justice for victims and survivors of sexual assault. Awards will be given to community members who have exhibited exceptional dedication to advancing policies, laws, and outreach efforts specific to victims’ rights. Event tickets are available online for $35 prior to April 8th with more information available through Coleen LaCosta at (561) 408-7779.

When asked to describe her feelings about the efforts of Palm Beach County’s community response and level of care for victims of crime, LaCosta says, “Our county is on the cutting edge and the work we do is unparalleled. I am so proud to be a member of the victims’ services community.”