Last weekend Maryland became the second state, after Illinois in 2011, to allocate part of its budget savings after abolishing the death penalty towards helping the families of murder victims. The bill for the victims’ families passed with unanimous votes from pro- and anti-repeal lawmakers at the start of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Additionally, a bill officially recognizing homicide victims’ families as a class of victims, giving them access to state services and support for years to come, is heading for final passage, receiving unanimous support by the state legislature.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed every April, helps communities throughout the country promote victims’ rights and honor crime victims as well as their advocates. This year’s theme is: “30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice.”
Learn more about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week here.