State of Michigan
04/23/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2021 07:38
The MDOC Recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week
The MDOC Recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week
April 23, 2021
Contact: Chris Gautz
517-526-3790
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The MDOC Recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week
The MDOC Crime Victim Services unit offers support to crime victims.
Lansing, Mich.- This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which promotes victims' rights and services. The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) honors National Crime Victims' Rights Week by encouraging victims of crime to register for the department's Victim Information Notification system.
'The Michigan Department of Corrections recognizes that victims of crime continue to need services long after the offender has been incarcerated. National Crime Victims' Rights Week highlights our continued commitment to supporting victims of crime and their families,' said Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington. 'By registering with the department's Crime Victims Services Unit, victims can stay informed on the status of the offender who committed the crime.'
To stay up to date on offender statuses, crime victims are encouraged to register for written notifications from Crime Victim Services. Victims may request notifications by completing an MDOC Crime Victim Notification Request Form available from the Prosecuting Attorney, contacting Crime Victims Services or the MDOC victim services website. Those registered for services through Crime Victim Services must maintain a current address and telephone number to ensure future notifications.
Crime Victims Services offers a variety of additional services for victims including, written notifications, telephone notifications, information on MDOC programs and referrals to local agencies.
Written notifications victims receive include earliest parole eligibility date, transfer of the prisoner to a minimum-security facility, discharge release of the prisoner, notice of a public hearing, escape of the prisoner, notice of a parole board decision, movement to and from Special Alternative Incarceration, prisoner's legal name change, new convictions and parole violations.
National Crime Victims' Rights week commemorates April 18-24, 2021. This year's selected theme - Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities - emphasizing the importance of leveraging community support to help victims of crime.
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