Full Notification

The Wilmington Police Department is joining agencies across the United States in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 6 to 12.
 
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 “Connecting < KINSHIP > Healing”. According to organizers, “this year’s theme of KINSHIP is a call to action to recognize that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime. KINSHIP is a state of being with survivors that drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing. KINSHIP is where victim advocacy begins.”
 
“True healing begins with connection, and at WPD Victim Services, we are dedicated to ensuring every survivor feels seen, heard, and supported,” said Stephanie Hamilton, WPD Victim Services Supervisor. “Through compassion and advocacy, we stand with victims on their path to recovery and justice.”
 
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.
 
Chief Wilfredo Campos applauded the members of both teams, who work on a daily basis to support those affected by crime.
 
“Our Victim Services Unit and Youth Response Unit provide invaluable support to those affected by crime and violence, extending critical resources and helping to provide referrals to a range of services,” said Chief Campos. “We appreciate how hard these teams work to support our community.”
 
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.