To continue raising awareness of crime’s true impact on victims, Suffolk is celebrating the silver anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights week.

According to the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, national crime rates continue to pose an adverse impact on victims, survivors, neighborhoods and society, threatening personal security.

Beginning today through April 16, victims, survivors, professionals and volunteers who provide assistance will observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is &uot;Justice Isn’t Served Until Crime Victims Are,&uot; emphasizing the importance of providing support and assistance to victims as a critical component of the judicial process.

The office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney and Victim/Witness Services is inviting the public to join them at a Memorial Service at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 in the courtyard adjacent to The Mills E. Godwin Jr. Courts Building at 150 N. Main St. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

&uot;Working on behalf of the Commonwealth to seek justice for victims and their families is paramount among my concerns,&uot; said Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Phillips &uot;Phil&uot; Ferguson.

&uot;Helping victims of crime rebuild their lives is at the core of everything Suffolk Victim/Witness Services does.&uot;

Today, area churches have been asked to have a special moment of prayer or silence remembering those who have lost their lives, and suffered physical and emotional injury as a result of crime.

The doors of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office are open to provide information to the public.

&uot;Anyone who is victimized by crime can receive information about their rights, and the many services available to assist them,&uot; said Diane Bryant, director of Victim/Witness Services said.

&uot;If you or someone you know is a victim of crime, we can help. Only when we consistently serve victims in our communities are we truly serving justice.&uot;

For additional information, contact Bryant at 923-2232, or visit the Web site at www.suffolk.va.us/cwatty/vwsp.

luefras.robinson@suffolknewsherald.com