CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) paid tribute to victims of crime with a private memory tree ribbon ceremony today in honor of the 40th Anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which takes place from April 18-24 this year.
About 97 ribbons were tied to branches of a tree along Sugar Beach in St. Croix by DHS staff and the administrator of the Criminal Victims Compensation Commission (CVCC). The display of color-coded ribbons represented a ratio of 2020 data from five specific acts of crime: homicide, survivors of gunshot wounds, physical assault, sexual assault, and DUI’s. Each single ribbon represents five persons who were directly impacted by an act of violent crime.
The Crime Victims Compensation Commission is taking to heart this year’s theme: “Support Victims, Build Trust, Engage Communities.” DHS is moving forward to strengthen the CVCC program by identifying new sources of funding providing useful referrals, and processing claims for compensation.
“We remember victims and survivors of crime and their families and hope we can work together to build a community where we are all safe from crime,” DHS Commissioner Kimberley CauseyGomez said.
The Criminal Victims Compensation Commission provides monetary assistance to innocent victims of violent crime. The CVCC helps victims of crime and their families with the physical and emotional aftermath of a crime by easing the financial losses incurred by providing reimbursement and financial benefits for expenses such as medical expenses, loss of wages and mental health counseling. For more information, please call 340-718-2980.
For general information, please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi or
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs).
For more information on Covid19, the new strain of coronavirus, please visit the USVI Department of Health’s website, www.doh.vi.gov/coronavirus or text COVID19USVI to 888777. #COVID19USVI The COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Hotline is now open from 8:30 am until 3:00 pm Monday thru Friday. Operators are available in both English and Spanish. For additional information, including an updated eligibility list as well as vaccine information, call (340)777-8227 or visit VITEMA.Vi.Gov.
The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in our community with diverse needs. In times of national uncertainty and hardship we act as a safety-net and exist to inspire hope and empower change through non-judgmental, quality delivery of needed services and resources. Please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi for more information.