San Antonio, Texas, April 4, 2016: Over thirty agencies have joined together to plan events for National Crime Victims’ Rights week which will be recognized from April 10 – 16, 2016. This year's theme, "Serving Victims – Building Trust – Restoring Hope” reminds us that our entire community of victim service agencies play an important role and are critical to meeting victims where they are and empowering them throughout the healing process in the aftermath of crime. This time provides us all with an opportunity to recommit ourselves to extending our reach through a victim-centered approach.
You will find a calendar of events for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week below. Events include a County Proclamation; Kick-off Press Conference; Victims’ Tribute and Wreath Laying Ceremony; and many other meaningful events. Help us instill values within our community where rights and services for victims and survivors of crime are not just observed annually, but practiced daily.
For questions or more information on these events or other victim issues, please contact Ms. Cyndi Jahn, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office Victim Services Coordinator at (210) 335-2733.
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BEXAR COUNTY
NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS CELEBRATION
Serving Victims – Building Trust – Restoring Hope APRIL 10 - 16, 2016
TUESDAY, APRIL 5TH
PROCLAMATION OF NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK BY BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT
The public, crime victims and victim service organizations are invited to attend Commissioners Court meeting during which National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be proclaimed. The proclamation will be held in the Bexar County Courthouse, Commissioners Courtroom, 2nd Floor at 10:00 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6TH
CHILDSAFE –“CARDBOARD KIDS”
A press conference will be held at The Studio at The Pearl, 200 E. Grayson, #115, at 10:30 am to announce the Cardboard Kids presentation. Forty Thousand (40,000) two-foot high cardboard cutouts of children, decorated and named to represent children who are victims of abuse and neglect, will be displayed all over San Antonio. This is done to heighten awareness, intervention and prevention of abuse and neglect of children in our community. “Like” ChildSafe on Facebook; or tag on Twitter and Instagram using #cardboardkidsSA.
“START BY BELIEVING” HAPPY HOUR
In celebration of National “Start by Believing” Day, the Rape Crisis Center will hold an event at Ajuua! Mexican Grill located at 11703 Huebner Road, Suite208, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Each guest receives 2 free drinks + appetizers. A silent auction will be held with proceeds going toe Rape Crisis Center. Please RSVP to Angela Pena at (210) 615-5242.
THURSDAY, APRIL 7TH
SAPD – VICTIM ADVOCACY COUNCIL - CRIME VICTIM’S COMPENSATION TRAINING
The San Antonio Victim’s Advocacy Council will host CVC Training at Public Safety Headquarters, 315 S. Santa Rosa. This workshop will explain the basics of the Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program and how it can assist victims and their families. The goal of the CVC Program is to reimburse eligible victims of violent crime for certain out-of-pocket expenses that are directly related to the crime. The student attending this workshop will learn 1) what CVC is, what benefits can be paid, what the eligibility requirements are and how to apply, and 2) how to assist the victim in obtaining benefits in a timely manner. Registration begins at 8:15; training is from 8:30 AM – Noon. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. Please contact Manny Ruiz at 210-270-1117 to register.
ST. JUDE’S RACH FOR CHILDREN – OPEN HOUSE
The Bulverde Campus of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children will host an open house from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. They are located at 1400 Ridge Creek Lane, Bulverde, Texas. You will be able to tour the facility and learn about the programs offered. Box lunches are provided. Please RSVP to eboyd@stjudesranch.org.
THE RAPE CRISIS CENTER PRESENTS “QUIZ FOR A CAUSE”
Come out for an evening of fun as Geeks Who Drink host eight rounds of random trivia while raising awareness and funds for the Rape Crisis Center at Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub & Grill, located at 16620 US Hwy 281, from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm. For more information call the Rape Crisis Center at (210) 349-7273.
FRIDAY, APRIL 8TH
GO BLUE DAY
Wear the color blue to make a statement about the awareness and prevention of child abuse. A balloon release will be held at 10:00 am at Child Advocates San Antonio located at 406 San Pedro. For more information call (210) 225-7070.
“START BY BELIEVING” LAUNCH EVENT
Learn how the Start by Believing campaign promotes a more respectful and compassionate San Antonio. Hear from Supporters in the community and find out how you can join the movement to Start by Believing. Refreshments and music available. Event will be held from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at SAY Si, 1518 S. Alamo Street. For more information call (210) 225-7070.
MONDAY, APRIL 11TH
KICK-OFF PRESS CONFERENCE
Bexar County and City Officials will be joined by singer, Patsy Torres to announce the start of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Bexar County. We will distribute our 2016 NCVRW Fiesta medals to those in attendance. The event will begin at 9:45 am on the north side of the old Bexar County Courthouse, 100 Dolorosa by the fountain.
VICTIM CALL-IN HOTLINE
Victims may call KSAT-TV from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. for information concerning the criminal justice system and referrals for victim services. Watch KSAT for the call-in phone number.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13TH
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Mothers Against Drunk Driving is sponsoring a Celebration of Life from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Botanical Gardens, located at 555 Funston Place. For more information please contact Lorrie Calderon at 210-349-0200 or lorrie.calderon@MADD.org.
THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH
VICTIMS’ TRIBUTE
The public, crime victims and victim service organizations are invited to attend a special service dedicated to victims of crime which will include a memorial wreath blessing and laying ceremony and lighting of our victims’ flame, and dove release. The event will be held at the Bexar County Courthouse, located at 100 Dolorosa, on the plaza side at the fountain, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
THE 470TH MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BRIGADE – BYSTANDER INTERVENTION SYMPOSIUM
The 470th Military Intelligence Brigade presents a Bystander Intervention Symposium at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club, 1050 Harry Wurzbach Road, from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Become part of the solution. Attendees will participate in small groups to develop and present bystander intervention campaign concepts to combat sexual assault. For questions, please call (210) 221-7577.
FRIDAY, APRIL 15TH
CHILDREN’S EVENTS
We will focus on our efforts to combat child abuse in our community by celebrating the children located in various shelters in Bexar County. Special events for The Children’s Shelter; St. PJ’s Children’s Home; Seton Home; Baptist Children’s Home and the Battered Women’s Shelter will be held. For more information please contact Cyndi Jahn at (210) 335-2733.
SUNDAY, APRIL 17TH
THE 470TH MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BRIGADE – SELF-DEFENSE SEMINAR
The 470th Military Intelligence Brigade presents a Self-Defense Seminar at the Jimmy Brought Fitness Center, Bldg. 320, Wilson Road, Fort Sam Houston from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Learn to defend yourself from predators. STW Krav Maga will conduct self-defense training. For questions call (210) 221-7577. Must pre-register at www.eventbrite.com/e/self-defense-seminar-tickets-22065778337? No childcare will be provided.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20TH
PREVENTION LOTERIA NIGHT
This event by the Rape Crisis Center combines the importance of sexual assault prevention work with one of the most beloved pastimes – Loteria! Enjoy tasty treats while learning more about the work being done to end sexual violence in our community at La Botancia, 2911 N. St. Mary’s Street from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27TH
NATIONAL DENIM DAY 2016 & MAKE A STATEMENT: THERE IS NEVER AN EXCUSE FOR RAPE!
In observance of Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month each April, The Rape Crisis Center asks businesses, agencies and individuals to wear Denim in support of sexual assault survivors and to raise awareness about sexual assault misconceptions. Denim Day is an excellent opportunity to be proactive and visibly engaged in creating a community of safe and peaceful relationships. For more information go to www.denimdayusa.org.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28TH
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT
The Rape Crisis Center and UTSA are partnering to celebrate a community against sexual violence at the annual Take Back the Night event. Please join them for a beautiful night of celebrating empowerment and community with musical performance, open mic spoken work poetry, community art project, a resource fair, and a candlelight vigil. The event will run from 6 – 8:30 pm on the UTSA Main campus, Convocation Center Lawn. For more information or to sign up to host an information table at the resource fair, contact Stacey at schwa@rapecrisis.com.