National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) runs April 19 – 25, 2026, marking its 45th year. First proclaimed in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, the week brings communities together to recognize the impact of crime, honor survivors, and renew commitment to victims’ rights.

Three years following its founding, in 1984, Congress passed the Victims of Crime Act to help victims navigate the tangible costs of surviving a crime, establishing the Crime Victims Fund. The law declared its purpose to assist victims “as soon as possible in order to reduce the severity of the psychological and emotional consequences of the victimization.”

That connection to brain injury is disturbing. Over 75% of domestic violence survivors suffer single or repeated traumatic brain injuries. Sometimes termed DV-TBI, most of these traumas go unreported. (Medical professionals are less likely to ask about concussions and other invisible injuries caused by domestic violence.) Assault. though, has been reported as the third most common cause of TBIs, reportedly accounting for about 10% of all cases.

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime has declared the theme of 2026 NCVRW to be Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities. As stated by the office of Chattanooga, TN Mayor Tim Kelly: “The theme emphasizes the critical need to remove barriers, meet survivors and their families where they are, and foster hope in order to build a safer, healthier community.”