Public invited to remember victims and survivors of crimes on the Big Island

The 42nd Anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week kicks off on Monday. The nationwide event is meant to remember crime victims and survivors, and to honor those in the community committed to serving victims.

This year’s theme is “Survivors Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.”

For the next week, the Hawai‘i County office of the Prosecuting Attorney will host programs, coordinate awareness campaigns, and facilitate community outreach to support and help victims of crime in the community.

On Monday, starting at 11 a.m., the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney will be kicking off the celebration by hosting a resource event, within the West Hawai‘i Civic Center. Attendees will be able to view “The Clothesline Project,” which is a visual display of t-shirts designed and decorated by victims of crimes.

The public will also have an opportunity to paint a rock in honor of loved ones who have lost their lives due to crime through the Peace Garden project. These rocks will be displayed within the Prosecutor’s Kona Peace Garden.

On Thursday at 11 a.m., the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney will be hosting an event at the Hilo Peace Garden, located outside of the Prosecutor’s Hilo Office, within the Aupuni Center. Community Police Officers with the Hawai‘i Police Department will be sharing information on how police assist victims of crime.

In addition, informational booths, the “Clothesline Project,” and other exhibits will be on display to provide victims of crime with important information on available resources in our community. The public will also have the opportunity to participate in decorating a memorial rock for the Hilo Peace Garden.

For more information regarding Crime Victims’ Rights Week and/or these events, contact the Victim Assistance Unit, Office of the Prosecuting Attorney at 808-934-3306 in Hilo and 808-324-1066 in Kona.