Williamson County Observes 'National Crime Victims’ Rights Week'

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County officials will stage the regional observance of the 2018 Crime Victims’ Rights Week ceremony on Wednesday to recognize and honor extraordinary individuals who demonstrate outstanding service to victims of crime and victim services.

The observance is tied to the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week that began April 8 and runs to April 14, 2018. This year’s theme is Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims, and emphasizes the importance of inclusion in victim services and addresses, specifically:

• How the crime victims field can better ensure that every crime victim has access to services and support; and
• How professionals, organizations, and communities can work in tandem to reach all victims.

The local ceremony will start at 10 a.m. in the Historic 26th District Courtroom located on the second floor of the Historic County Courthouse, 710 Main Street, in Georgetown, Texas. The event is free and open to the public.

The ceremony will conclude with a balloon release on the east side of the courthouse lawn as a tribute of hope and support for the 1,408 victims of violent crime in Williamson County in 2017, officials explained. Members of law enforcement, EMS and the fire department will be parked around the courthouse, and will run their lights/sirens briefly during the balloon release in support of victims.

Individuals are invited to write a note of hope to victims of crime in Williamson County, and those messages can remain anonymous. Notes can be brought to the ceremony on April 11 or emailed to the Williamson County Attorney’s office to pvasquez@wilco.org.

The National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony is coordinated by the victim advocates of Williamson County.

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