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The Wilmington Police Department is joining agencies across the United States in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 7 to 13.
 
In addition to participating in various events throughout the month of April related to supporting victims of crime, the WPD Victim Services Unit and Youth Response Unit will be working to raise awareness about the resources available to victims.
 
“We have seen many positive changes in the victim services field over the years, and Crime Victims' Rights Week is a time to step back, take stock and recognize how far we have come,” said Stephanie Hamilton, Victim Services Supervisor. “The services that are available are becoming more trauma informed and victim centered, and help is provided in the community as well as within the criminal justice system.”
 
An initiative of the United States Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed by communities across the country each April.
 
This year’s theme – “Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.” – celebrates progress made by those in the past and looks ahead to a future of more inclusive, accessible and trauma-informed victim services.
 
Established in 1991, the WPD Victim Services Unit is comprised of civilians who work with victims of violent crime in Wilmington. They provide a wide range of services, including support, crisis counseling and the provision of information and referrals for victims. Victim services professionals can respond to crime scenes and help victims navigate the system from the date of an incident through various judicial proceedings. Services are also available for victims of domestic violence, and for Spanish-speaking victims.
 
Hamilton reflected on how the WPD Victim Services Unit has evolved over the years, after its start with a single, grant-funded employee.
 
“We now have five employees and a rotating on-call schedule that allows for a victim advocate to be available around the clock for emergencies,” she said, “not to mention a network of providers to refer victims to for support.”
 
The WPD Youth Response Unit is a partnership between the Wilmington Police Department, the Delaware Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services and A Seed of Hope Counseling. Clinicians on this team work with children and their families to provide free, voluntary trauma assessment and short-term counseling services for those who are victims of, or witnesses to, a traumatic event.
 
“The trauma that children experience is complex, and this could be anything from witnessing a robbery, a shooting or a domestic violence incident in the home, to experiencing death of a parent,” said Trish Minogue, Program Coordinator for the Youth Response Unit. “Research has shown that the effects of trauma on a developing child's brain can have a profound negative impact over the course of their lifetime. One of the goals of the Youth Response Unit is to interrupt that process by utilizing evidence-based interventions with children and families throughout Wilmington.”
 
Chief Robert J. Tracy applauded the professionals who work tirelessly to support victims of crime.
 
“The Victim Services Unit and the Youth Response Unit are integral components of the Wilmington Police Department, and they provide critical support to those who are victims of crime,” said Chief Tracy. “Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the importance of supporting victims, and also to recognize the tireless, year-round efforts of victim services professionals both in Wilmington and across the country.”
 
To learn more about the WPD Victim Services Unit and to seek assistance, call (302) 576-3622 or visit www.wilmingtonde.gov/government/city-departments/department-of-police/victim-services.
 
To learn more about the WPD Youth Response Unit and to seek assistance, call (302) 576-3183 or visit https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/government/public-safety/wilmington-police-department/youth-response-unit.