Anyone who has ever been a victim of crime knows that the after-effects can sometimes be as bad, if not worse than the personal violation itself. Lasting physical damage to one’s self or property come to mind. Then there might be those feelings of helplessness or even self-recrimination that somehow never seem to go away completely. There is also the fear of retaliation, which can intimidate a person from even reporting a an assault or robbery.

Through this past week, the Virginia Department of Correction has been promoting  National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a movement that began in the early 1980s. This year’s theme is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.”

Where can a crime victim turn for support even after filing a police report? Thankfully, there’s the Virginia Department of Corrections Victim Services Unit. When a person registers with this organization (www.vadoc.virginia.gov/victim) he or she can find information on crisis intervention, referrals and an explanation of the parole and probation process. Should the aggressor be caught, found guilty and tossed into the clink, then a person can be notified of changes to the inmate’s status. That can include transfers or release dates as well as name changes or even if the criminal escapes but is recaptured.

If you’ve ever been violated in a criminal way, don’t let that rule your life afterward. See out the support you need to regain your dignity and life.