National Crime Victims Rights Week kicks off events to support victims and survivors of violent crime

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sunday marks the start of National Crime Victims Rights Week, dedicated to raising awareness and supporting victims and survivors of violent crime.

The Justice Coalition is already working every day to achieve these goals in Northeast Florida. It provides support in many ways, from accompanying victims and survivors to court and even providing some financial assistance.

On Monday, the organization will host the annual Tossing of the Roses, an event where families come together to honor their missing or murdered loved ones. This will be one of the first local events to mark National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2024.

“It is a time to come together as a nation and honor the survivors and loved ones. And support them and show them that we are here for them and help them through the times when they need help,” said Robert Bracewell, Executive Director of Justice Coalition.

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Foster Coker also serves on the organization’s Board of Directors. He was led to the Justice Coalition after he and his wife survived a violent attack when armed intruders invaded their home a decade ago.

“There was a gunfight in the living room and we were both very seriously injured. As it turned out, one of the attackers did not survive, but that then led to three years of lawsuits surrounding the rest of the gang members involved in the attack. And that’s where the Justice Coalition came to our rescue in the days immediately after it happened,” Coker said.

This week is filled with multiple events, including:

• There will be a press conference at City Hall on Monday morning to mark Victims’ Rights Week

• The throwing of the roses, which will take place at 5:30 p.m

• Tuesday will be a day of community workshops and a resource fair

• Wednesday is Denim Day, there will be a rally and press conference at City Hall. It’s a day when people are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence

• This Friday there will be a Shoot for Justice event to raise money for the Justice Coalition.

Most importantly, this eventful week is a message to the victims: they do not have to make this journey alone.

“The Justice Coalition has been so important, not just in my case, but in hundreds of cases every year, helping them through the trauma and loss through the justice system,” Coker said.

The Tossing of the Roses event is scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Haskell Building on Riverside Avenue. It’s open to the public and I’ll be the emcee.

To learn more about all the local events during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Jacksonville, visit this website.

Visit this website for more information about the ‘Shoot for Justice’ fundraising event taking place on Friday, April 26.