Massachusetts Department of Correction Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

• Massachusetts Department of Correction
• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

Milford- Today, the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) hosted a ceremony in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 21-27) to support survivors and raise awareness about innovative victim and survivor support services administered by the DOC Victim Services Unit and partner agencies. April is recognized as Crime Victims' Rights Month in Massachusetts.

More than 100 people attended the event held at the agency's headquarters in Milford. The program featured remarks delivered by Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Undersecretary Kerry Collins, and guest speaker Danielle Sicard, a survivor of domestic violence and a member of the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance (MOVA) Victim and Witness Assistance Board, who discussed this year's national theme - "How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors."

"National Crime Victims' Rights Week serves as a solemn reminder of the lasting emotional, physical, and psychological toll a traumatic experience has on victims and survivors. We stand with those impacted by crime and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring survivors have the support and resources needed to heal," said Governor Maura Healey. "We commendthe many victim service providers statewide who provide compassionate and trauma-informed care to people in their time of greatest need."

"Ensuring the safety and protection of those who live, work, and raise families in Massachusetts is at the heart of everything we do, every policy we put forward, and every decision we make,"said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we pledge to ensure that those who have been impacted by crime and violence are not alone."

During today's ceremony, the DOC announced the expansion of its Victim Offender Dialogue Program. This restorative justice initiative allows crime victims and survivors to voluntarily engage in a dialogue directly with the offender. To increase the frequency of these impactful interactions, the DOC is expanding the number of staff trained to facilitate these healing dialogues.

"Every day across Massachusetts, law enforcement and victim service providers offer vital assistance to brave survivors of traumatic experiences. This week and always, we stand with victims and commend the tireless efforts of those who support survivors in pursuing justice and healing," said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy.

As part of the ceremony, the DOC recognized two staff members for their work and dedication.

"Officer Innocenzi is a constant presence for our Victim Services Unit as they conduct these dialogues. Her compassion and planning are remarkable, which is key to having these interactions be successful," said Interim DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. "Jamie's commitment to helping survivors lets them know they are heard and supported.

The DOC Victim Services Unit currently provides support to nearly 9,100 survivors and family members. In addition to the Victim Offender Dialogue Program, the DOC's Victim Services Unit also offers the following initiatives:

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• Massachusetts Department of Correction

  The Department of Correction oversees the state prison system, managing inmates at 14 institutions across the state. We provide custody, care, and programming for those under our supervision to prepare them for safe and successful reentry into the community.

• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

  EOPSS is responsible for the policy development and budgetary oversight of its secretariat agencies, independent programs, and several boards which aid in crime prevention, homeland security preparedness, and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the Commonwealth.