MONTEREY COUNTY — During the week of April 21-27, crime victims, survivors and those who serve them will join together across the United States to promote victims’ rights and services, and educate communities on the devastating impact crime has on victims, neighborhoods, schools and the nation as a whole.
Since 1978, the County of Monterey, District Attorney’s Office, Victims of Crime Unit, has worked diligently with victims of crime to uphold their rights and to ensure they are aware of victim assistance and compensation programs that can help them cope with the aftermath of a crime. In 2023, the unit provided over 24,244 mandated services to 3,162 new crime victims.
The 2024 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week not only honors victims of crime, but also the many agencies that assist them.
Members of the community are invited to join in honoring victims of crime on Friday, April 26, at 12 p.m. at the Monterey County Courthouse courtyard, located at 142 W. Alisal St. in Salinas.
The event will feature Janette Blair, Julia Blair and Anita Scott as the inspirational speakers. They were children when their grandmother, aunt and two minor cousins were brutally murdered in their home in 1977.
In addition, the ceremony will invite survivors of homicide victims to announce the names of their loved ones and release doves in memory of all victims of crime.
A special video presentation honoring victims of homicide in Monterey County will also be available at facebook.com/montereyda. For more information, contact Victim Witness Program Manager Alma Sanchez at 831-755-5072.
