Solano County Events Will Honor Crime Victims, Their Families

SOLANO COUNTY, CA -- In observance of of National Crime Victims' Rights Week from April 2-8, 2017, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office and the Solano County Family Justice Center invite everyone to participate in two community awareness events, including Tuesday, April 4 in Fairfield and Thursday, April 6 in Vallejo. The events honor victims of crime and all those who advocate on their behalf.

Monument Dedication Ceremony – Tuesday, April 4:
The Solano County District Attorney’s Office and the Solano County Family Justice Center, in partnership with the Matt Garcia Foundation, in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) will dedicate a monument on Tuesday, April 4 at the Matt Garcia Career and College Academy, 1100 Civic Center Drive in Fairfield, starting at noon, honoring all those affected by violence in our community.

Students from the Career and College Academy will participate in the monument’s unveiling, complete with the National Anthem and Colors presentation provided by the Solano County Public Safety Academy Youth Honor Guard. The monument, commissioned by the Matt Garcia Foundation, was sculpted by local artist Chad Glashoff and will serve as a permanent fixture of courage and peace at the community campus.

"National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an important time for reflection," says Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams. “It’s a time to remember all of the survivors, including those who we’ve lost, and an opportunity to share their strength, courage and love of life with our communities.”

Local, state and U.S. representatives, including those who have been victims of violence in our community will participate in the event, sharing their concerns, experiences and personal stories.

“I know the thought of losing a child to violence is simply incomprehensible,” says Teresa Courtemanche, mother of slain Fairfield City Council Member Matt Garcia. “I am reminded of the words my son would say, which is I choose to do something positive rather than something negative with life’s circumstances.”

Strength, Resilience and Justice Ceremony - Thursday, April 6:
Everyone is welcome to join the Solano County District Attorney’s Office at the entrance steps to Vallejo City Hall, 555 Santa Clara St., in Vallejo on Thursday, April 6 at noon to honor victims of crime as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Every April, the Office of Victims of Crime assists communities across the nation in their annual observances of NCVRW by promoting victims’ rights, honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.

Solano County will participate in this year’s NCVRW in contribution and promotion of this year’s theme: “Strength, Resilience and Justice” by presenting an opportunity to highlight the diversity of our communities, expand partnerships who serve victims of crime, enhance efforts to meet victims, honor those who are lost to crime, and empower crime victims as they pursue justice and recovery.

Both events are free. No need to RSVP, simply show up.

For more information, call the Solano County Family Justice Center, Office of Family Violence Prevention at (707) 784-7635.

Image via Office of Victims of Crime