Full Notification

The Wilmington Police Department is joining agencies across the United States in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 19-25.
 
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
“Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”
 
“At the WPD Victim Services Unit, we listen to survivors and connect them to the resources they need while also advocating for systems that better protect and respond to victims,” said Stephanie Hamilton, WPD Victim Services Manager. “Our goal is to help those in need now, but to also create lasting change for all victims in the future.”
 
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 exceptional support to our community – supporting individuals and families in some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and extending critical resources and referrals,” said Chief Campos. “We continue to applaud their tireless work and dedication to supporting those affected by crime and violence.”
 
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.