2009 Crime Victims’ Tribute Display Information

The Silent Witness Project, sponsored by the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Delaware’s Silent Witness Project is an exhibit of thirteen people who died as a result of domestic violence in 1995. The exhibit includes six women, one man, and six children illustrating the ultimate horror and tragedy of domestic violence. The fourteenth “universal” figure is intended to represent all Delaware victims of domestic homicide.

The T-Shirt Tribute, sponsored by ContactLifeline of Delaware

The T-Shirts displayed are a moving tribute to those who have been victimized by crime. They signify the beginning of their journey toward healing. It is through this awareness that we honor their strength and courage.

Wreath of Hope, sponsored by the Delaware Violent Crimes Compensation Board

The “Wreath of Hope” is dedicated to victims and survivors of violent crimes.
The wreath is decorated with blue, gold, and white flowers, representing the
colors of commitment and remembrance by victims and survivors.

Don’t Suffer in Silence, created by the Smyrna High School Bullying Project

The Bullying Quilt was created in 2004 by a group of high school students who were eager to express their concerns about the effect that bullying had on them. They were each asked to design a panel that expressed a message they wanted to convey to the public about bullying.

Project Illumination Delaware, sponsored by The ARC of Delaware

Art is a powerful force in the process of healing. The ARC of Delaware and its partners are proud to present the Healing Wounded Heart art exhibit for survivors of sexual assault. The purpose of this project is to spread community awareness and education about the prevalence and effects of sexual assault on its victims, particularly among individuals with disabilities.

Walk in My Shoes, sponsored by ContactLifeline’s Sexual Assault Network of Delaware

Displays pairs of shoes that represent a Delaware survivor of sexual assault or abuse. Many of the shoes bear their survivors’ stories.

A View Through My Window, sponsored by the VSA Arts of Delaware and funded through the Verizon Foundation and Verizon Hopeline.

An expressive art project that empowers individuals who have been victims of domestic violence to convey a message for the community at large.  Women and teens throughout Delaware have been involved in this project.  Each artist created an actual window that depicts what they see out of their window or what they see inside of their window as it relates to their experience with domestic violence. 

Memorial Wall

Displays letters, poems, and artwork submitted by victims, survivors, family
members and friends.

MEDIA ADVISORY

The Delaware Victims’ Rights Task Force, a statewide organization made up of a coalition of criminal justice and victims’ rights advocates from state and local government agencies and non-profit organizations, is proud to sponsor this years 18th Annual Victims’ Tribute to be held during Delaware Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Chair of the Victims’ Rights Task Force and Director of Victim Services for the Delaware State Police and Delaware Victim Center will be available prior to and throughout Victims’ Rights Week for media interviews. Please use contact information below to arrange for interviews.

Contact: Debbie Reed, (302) 739-3711, Director, Victim Services DSP and Delaware Victim Center
Stephanie Hamilton, (302) 576-3648, Chair, Victims’ Rights Task Force

Victims’ Rights Week to be Observed in Delaware

This year’s theme: “Victims First in the First State”

During the week of April 12th through April 18th, Delaware will observe Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme, “Victims First in the First State” reminds us that putting the needs and rights of crime victims first must be our first priority. Also recognized are the many victim service providers and volunteers who have dedicated their lives to helping victims.

Events:
A Proclamation Signing with the Honorable Matt Denn, Lt. Governor of Delaware, on Monday April 13th at 10:30 a.m. in the Governor’s Wilmington Office, 12th floor, Carvel State Building, 820 N. French Street declaring the week of April 12th through April 18th Victims’ Rights Week. Followed by an award ceremony, to recognize individuals, agencies and volunteers, who have performed outstanding work in the victims’ rights movement.

18th Annual Crime Victims’ Tribute to be held Wednesday, April 15th at 6:00 p.m. at Delaware Technical and Community College, Corporate Training Center, Terry Campus, Dover, Delaware. The tribute will honor the lives forever changed by crime.

Featured Guest Speaker: Donna Palomba, sexual assault survivor and founder of Jane Doe No More, Inc., will share her story of how she was raped in her home by a masked intruder in 1993 and subsequently mistreated by the investigating police department. For 14 years she was known only as “Jane Doe” in police and media reports. In April 2007, Donna came forward in public for the first time to tell her story and launch the Jane Doe No More initiative “to dispel myths and break stigmas associated with sexual assault.”

A Memorial Wall will display letters, poems, and artwork submitted by victims and survivors of crime, as well as the Silent Witness Project, a T-Shirt Tribute, Project Illumination- Healing the Wounded Heart, Walk in My Shoes, Wreath of Hope, the Bullying Quilt, A View Through My Window will all be on display. The Wesley College Chamber Choir will perform. Resource tables with information of the many services available for crime victims and survivors will also be available.

If interested in submitting a memorial, please contact, Marki Mosley (New Castle County) at 302 395-8135, Diane Glenn (Kent County) 302-736-7134 or Debbie Reed (Sussex County) at 302 739-3711.