State Announces Inaugural Victim Services Conference
BOSTON — In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced its first-ever Victim Services Conference, themed “Empowering Survivors Through Compassion, Collaboration, and Commitment,” to be held on Tuesday, June 10 at Four Points Sheraton in Norwood.
The event, hosted by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance, aims to bring together survivors, victim advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, and community organizations to foster a deeper understanding of the survivor experience, discuss the resources available, and ensure a trauma-informed, collaborative approach to supporting survivors and victims.
“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week serves as a solemn reminder of the lasting emotional, physical, and psychological toll a traumatic experience has on victims and survivors. Our Victim Services Conference is a new way to expand our commitment to supporting the unique needs of those impacted by crime through collaboration among survivors, advocates, and criminal-justice professionals,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “By bringing together these diverse voices, we can create a more effective support network that ensures everyone has access to resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”
The conference will feature a combination of personal stories, expert insight, and small-group discussions. The conference will focus on the emotional, legal, and logistical challenges survivors face as they navigate the criminal-justice system. Through powerful survivor testimonials, expert panels, and interactive breakout sessions, attendees will gain critical insights into improving victim services and ensuring survivors’ rights are upheld.
“Survivors of crime deserve a system that is responsive, compassionate, and supportive at every stage of their journey,” Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy said. “This conference is an opportunity to strengthen our collective commitment to victim services and enhance collaboration across agencies to improve access to justice, resources, and healing.”
This conference is open to law enforcement, probation and parole officers, prosecutors, the Attorney General’s Office, victim service providers, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Correction, sheriffs, and community-based victim-service organizations. Click here to request further information.