Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua and Gainesville area victim services providers are hosting a candlelight vigil and reception in honor of Victims’ Rights Week on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, from 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Alachua County Senior Recreation Center (5701 NW 34th Street, Gainesville). The program will begin with refreshments and live music.

Victims and survivors will have the opportunity to speak out on the impact of violence and the loss of a loved one and to light a candle in memory or in honor of someone who has been touched by violence. 

April 22, marks the beginning of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to honor victims and the advocates of victims’ rights. National Victims’ Rights Week is celebrated every year to raise awareness of crime’s impact on individual lives and communities.

Victim Advocate Lauren Mullins, with Alachua County Victim Services, acknowledged, “The journey of healing can be long and difficult. The candlelight vigil honors homicide victims and shows community support for survivors of all violent crime.”

For more information on Victims’ Rights Week, contact Lauren Mullins at 352-264-6769 or lemullins@alachuacounty.us.