Carbondale marks Crime Victims’ Rights Week, highlights resources for victims locally and nationwide

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) — Local agencies in Carbondale are recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by raising awareness about the rights and resources available to victims of crime, while encouraging more people to seek help.

What is Crime Victims’ Rights Week?

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the observance, which was established in 1981 under President Ronald Reagan. The week is designed to recognize victims, promote available services and ensure those impacted by crime understand their rights within the justice system.

The 2026 theme, “Listen, Act and Advocate: Protect Victims and Serve Communities,” focuses on connecting victims with support systems and encouraging community involvement.

“It’s an opportunity to recognize victims, to hear them, support them, and also lead them to the direction of resources,” said Dianah McGreehan, director of violence prevention.

Why advocates say awareness is needed

Advocates say many victims never seek help, even when resources are available.

“According to some statistics on crime victims, only 8% of those that experience a violent crime actually seek out support beyond the police,” McGreehan said. “But there’s so many more availability of resources.”

She said victims across the country are protected under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act of 2004, which guarantees certain rights in the justice process.

“Every state, across the nation — have these rights available,” she said. “But there are also rights that you sometimes have to advocate for yourself.”

Resources available to victims

In Carbondale, organizations including the Carbondale Public Library, the Survivor Empowerment Center and the Carbondale Police Department are working together to connect victims with support.

Elizabeth Sears, a crime victim advocate with the Carbondale Police Department, said many people are unaware of how many resources exist.

“People never expect to become a victim of a crime. Their world is turned upside down, and then they’re expected to navigate a system that can feel overwhelming,” Sears said.

• A crime victim advocate within the Carbondale Police Department to help guide victims through reporting and the legal process
• The Survivor Empowerment Center, which provides support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
• Notification systems such as VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), which provide updates on offender status and court proceedings
• Assistance with filing orders of protection
• Help preparing for court and understanding legal proceedings
• Support with writing victim impact statements
• Access to mental health services, sometimes at no cost
• Financial assistance programs, including victim compensation and, in some cases, funeral costs
• Protections under the Safe Homes Act, which may allow victims to terminate a lease early or change locks if their home is no longer safe

Victims can learn more about their rights by visiting the Illinois Attorney General’s Office website or their state’s attorney general website.

Additional national resources include:

• Office for Victims of Crime (U.S. Department of Justice)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline — or call 1-800-799-7233
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) or call 800-656-HOPE

Sears said these types of services are not limited to Carbondale and are available across Illinois and nationwide.

Helping victims navigate the process

She said her role is to help individuals regain control after a traumatic experience and guide them through available options.

“My hope as a crime victim advocate is to help people find their voice again and find that strength that they once had before, that they feel like was stolen from them,” she said.

She said a major focus is helping victims feel safe again.

“A big part of that is gaining their sense of safety back… that could be getting an order of protection which keeps someone away from you,” Sears said.

Sears added that support can look different for everyone, depending on their situation.

“Those simple things that can seem extremely difficult… you can be a victim of crime by a complete stranger, by someone you knew, by someone who was supposed to love you,” she said.

A message to the community

Advocates say support from others can make a major difference for someone deciding whether to come forward.

“For the community, I would encourage them to tap into that village mentality… start by listening and try your best not to judge,” Sears said.

They say one of the most important steps is helping victims feel heard and supported.

“People care about what happened to you and people care about your healing,” Sears said. “The first step is allowing yourself to be heard… and you don’t have to do it alone.”

Organizers say they hope the awareness generated this week will encourage more people to seek help and connect with available resources.

For more information visit The City of Carbondale.com or contact Elizabeth Sears, Crime Victim Advocate, Carbondale Police Department: esears@carbondaleil.gov, (618)457-3200 ext. 447.