National Crime Victims' Rights Week; April 22-28
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/news-releases/2012/042312crimevictimsrights.htm

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 12/VictimsRightsWeek/LHC
April 23, 2012

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
April 22-28, 2012
Raising Awareness for Victims of Crime and Those that Help Them
They educate; they advocate; they care and they console. Members of Fairfax County Police Department’s Victim Services Section are a group of committed personnel that spend their working hours making sure crime victims and their families have the resources they need as they proceed through, often, long, painful and difficult journey’s that no one can ever prepare for.

The Victim Services Section provides support and advocacy to victims of crime including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, homicide and robbery. In 2010, nine Victim Specialists that make up the unit worked over 3,500 cases. They often are the first point of contact for crime victims seeking information and support in navigating the criminal justice system. During this annual observance, the Victim Services Section recognizes and honors the many victims and survivors of crime.

“The experience of being a victim of crime is a life-altering experience and no two people experience this trauma in the same way. Victims move their lives forward in unique ways. By treating these men, women and children with compassion, dignity and respect as they move forward, members of the Victim Services Section often provide a sense of clarity and hope for crime victims and survivors,” said Saly Fayez, Director of the Victim Services Unit.

For more information on the FCPD Victim Services Unit, check http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/services/victim-services.htm.



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To request this information in an alternate format, call the Public Information Office at 703.246.2253. TTY 703-204-2264

I recently survived an ordeal of bullying and harrassment. I decided to take action, gather names/witnesses, and keep track of all evidence of my ordeal. Instead of trying to solve the issue alone; I stood my ground and faced my enemy face-to-face. Moments later, I telephone the local police department and reported everything that happened in thorough detail. I made sure that I had witnesses to back my side of the story. I had enough evidence to file a police report against my provoker/harrasser. Once the police report was finished, I moved on.

There were rare moments that I ran into my provoker and she only walked away.

Please learn something from me. Best to protect yourself right away rather than deal with an issue that appears minor and or, could lead to a life-threatening situation.

The moment you believe you are being victimized, harrassed and bullied; report it right away. You've already taken the first step in caring for yourself. There is NO SHAME in standing up for yourself, protecting you and your family.

To this day, I look back at this experience as a learning experience. Realizes that this was a turning point in my life. Meaning: NOT everyone is what they appear to be on the outside.

Stays Safe
Remains Strong.

Never be afraid to report a crime once victimized. Saying nothing will not stop the crime. Being silent is as deadly.

Victim In Recovery

All you heroic victims go and pin medals on yourself, the rest of the world will carry on.