Each April, the NC Department of Public Safety joins partners in raising awareness of crime victims’ rights and highlighting the network of victim resources and service providers available across our state. From April 19-26, the North Carolina State Capitol will be illuminated in purple, a symbol of solidarity with survivors. North Carolinians are encouraged to wear purple and share messages to help build awareness statewide.
What Is the NC Crime Victims’ Rights Act?
North Carolina’s Crime Victims’ Rights Act helps ensure victims are treated with dignity—receiving timely court notices, attending hearings, consulting prosecutors and receiving information about how to access the state Victim Compensation Program.
How Does NCDPS Support Victims of Crime?
NCDPS works year-round to ensure crime victims have access to support during difficult and often life changing moments.
- The Victim Compensation Program provides financial support to survivors of violent crime and to families of homicide victims, helping cover eligible expenses such as medical care, counseling, funeral services and lost wages.
- The Rape Victim Assistance Program pays the full cost of forensic medical exams for sexual assault survivors, ensuring that no one faces financial barriers when seeking immediate care.
- The Governor’s Crime Commission administers federal Victim of Crime Act, Violence Against Women Act and Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program funding that helps sustain victim services and crisis intervention programs statewide.
Honoring North Carolina’s Crime Victim Services Network
Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to thank the first responders, advocates, providers and community partners who support victims every day. Their dedication strengthens communities and helps survivors find safety, stability and hope. To the professionals and volunteers across North Carolina who make this work possible: Thank you. Your commitment ensures victims are heard, respected and supported when they need it most.