ANKENY, Iowa—National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has been observed in Iowa and across the country each April since 1981, to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights, and introduce the community to the important resources and services available. According to the most recent Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey, U.S. residents age 12 or older experienced 3.1 million violent victimizations and U.S. households experienced an estimated 13.3 million property crimes in 2017.

On April 8 through 12, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) will commemorate the advancement of victims’ rights and highlight issues surrounding victimization by holding presentations, displays and activities on the DMACC Ankeny, Boone and Urban Campuses, as well as at the DMACC Southridge Center.

The year’s NCVRW theme — Honoring our Past. Creating Hope for the Future –encourages commemoration, honor and respect toward crime victims and victim advocates, allied professionals and the selfless volunteers who have courageously worked for increased rights for crime victims. This theme also invites us to look toward a future of inclusive, accessible and innovative resources and services for survivors.

DMACC programs participating include:  Criminal Justice, Fashion/Design, Theatre, Photography, Graphic Design, Music, Horticulture, Nursing and Culinary Arts. In addition, DMACC’s Counseling Services, Continuing Education, Boone Campus Social Justice Club, Fashion Design Club, Criminal Justice Club and Student Activities Councils across campuses are collaborating in the weeklong event.

According to the 2017 National Crime Victimization Survey, only 45 percent of violent victimizations were reported to law enforcement.  The decision to report is a complex one.  Every victimization is significant, as it impacts the survivor and the larger community.

“At DMACC, we are first a community, and second a college, and so it is just right for this organization to bring together resources, services, awareness-raising and education across our many communities,” said DMACC Criminal Justice Professor Dr. Samantha O’Hara. “We strongly encourage the public and groups to attend these events.”

  Ankeny Campus, Monday, April 8, Bldg. #5 Student Center

Ongoing Displays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

·         Black Box Theatre
“What They Wore” by DMACC Fashion Design students
“Interpretations” by DMACC Photography students
“Healing Doors/Trauma Doors” by Soaring Heart Foundation

·         Conference Rooms
Crime Victims’ Movement Display by DMACC Graphic Design students
Refreshments by DMACC Culinary Arts students

Presentations

·       11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Gathering Space: Information Tables to include government and non-profit agencies

·       10:10 to 11:05 a.m., Conference Rooms, Panel A:  “Situational Crime Prevention Tips from Law Enforcement” with Ankeny and Des Moines Police Departments, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Pratum

·       11:15 a.m. to 12:10 p.m., Conference Rooms, Panel B:  “Victim Advocacy in Our Community” including Monsoon, Deaf Iowans Against Abuse, Children and Families of Iowa, Iowa Safe Schools and LUNA.

·       12:20 to 12:45 p.m., Conference Rooms, Speaker Marissa Messinger

·       12:55 to 1:45 p.m., Conference Rooms, Panel C:  “Helping the Professional Helpers” including Peer Support Foundation, Fresh Start Women’s Center, Blank Children’s Hospital STAR Center and House of Mercy.

·      1:55 to 2:50 p.m., Conference Rooms, Panel D:  “Services in Our Community” with Aging Resources, Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services, Children and Families of Iowa and Nissa

Boone Campus, Tuesday, April 9, Courter Center

·       11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Informational Tables to include victim services.

·       11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Crime Victims’ Movement Display created by DMACC Graphic Design students.

·       DMACC Social Justice Club sponsors benefit Drive for ACCESS.

·        Refreshments – cookies by DMACC Culinary Arts students.

Southridge Center – Wednesday, April 10, Conference Room 20

·         10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Crime Victims’ Movement Display create by DMACC Graphic Design students.

·         11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Informational Tables to include Dress for Success and Men on the Move.

·         11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony held by Iowa’s 5th District Correctional Services Department with music from DMACC’s Music department and a tree provided by DMACC’s Horticulture program.  Molly Jansen from the Polk County Attorney’s Office and DMACC Vice President of Enrollment Services Dr. Shelli Allen will emcee the event.  Speakers include Dress for Success Director Jody White, Polk County District Judge William Kelly and others.

·         Refreshments – cookies by DMACC Culinary Arts students.

In the Community, Thursday, April 11, Polk County River Place

·         12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Crime Victims’ Movement Display, created by DMACC Graphic Design students, at Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services, 2309 Euclid Ave. in Des Moines.

Urban Campus – Friday, April 12, Bldg. #1 Student Lounge

·         11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Crime Victims’ Movement Display created by DMACC Graphic Design students.

·         11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Informational Tables to include Counseling Services

·      Refreshments – cookies by DMACC Culinary Arts students

            For more information on DMACC activities during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, contact Dr. Samantha O’Hara at (515) 964-6667 or sjohara@dmacc.edu.

            For the entire National Crime Victims’ Rights Week schedule go tohttps://www.dmacc.edu/programs/criminaljustice/Pages/crime.aspx.