Full Notification

The Wilmington Police Department is joining agencies across the United States in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 21 to 27.
 
In addition to participating in various events throughout the month related to supporting victims of crime, the WPD Victim Services Unit and Youth Response Unit are working to raise awareness about the resources available to victims.
 
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 is “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.” This year’s theme asks all of us to consider how we can support crime victims, and to consider how our organizations are able to provide trauma-informed care and support.
 
“Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an opportunity for us all to reflect on how we can be part of the healing process for a victim of crime,” said Stephanie Hamilton, WPD Victim Services Supervisor. “This year’s theme urges us to provide services that empower survivors and ensure they receive comprehensive assistance and support through the process. I encourage victims in the City of Wilmington to reach out for information and assistance.”
 
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. The unit began with a single, grant-funded employee – and has since evolved to a team of five employees with a rotating on-call schedule, which allows a victim advocate to be available around the clock. There is also an expanded network of providers that the unit can 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 Youth Response Unit continues to work in collaboration with the WPD and Victim Services to provide free mental health counseling to youth and families who have experienced a traumatic event,” said Kelly Hatton, owner of A Seed of Hope Counseling Center. “The YRU therapists use evidence-based interventions to support youth and their families after a traumatic event. The goal of the program is to reduce symptoms of trauma, increase coping skills and resiliency, and decrease the likelihood of developing long-term symptoms as a result of the trauma experienced. A traumatic event can create changes that people don't choose, but healing is about creating change that people do choose. Dealing with a traumatic event can result in feeling safe, empowered and supported.”
 
Chief Wilfredo Campos applauded the members of both teams, who work on a daily basis to support those affected by crime.
 
“Through engaging with those affected by crime and violence and extending critical resources, our Victim Services Unit and Youth Response Unit support members of our community in some of their most difficult times and help to support their healing and recovery,” said Chief Campos. “We are proud to recognize these teams and thank them for their service, and we are appreciative that they chose to dedicate their careers to serving our community in Wilmington.”
 
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.