Idaho marks anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Marsy’s Law for Idaho is encouraging Idahoans across the state to recognize and celebrate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which runs this week through Saturday.

Efforts to raise awareness this year include working with Gov. Brad Little on a proclamation recognizing the importance of Idaho’s rights for crime victims and working to illuminate Boise’s downtown cityscape in purple. 

“It’s hard to overstate the transformational power a strong set of rights can have for victims in Idaho’s criminal justice system,” said Matthew Hebb, state director for Marsy’s Law for Idaho. “For more than three decades, victims in Idaho have had the right to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity throughout the legal process, and this has helped tens of thousands of victims of crime overcome the trauma and successfully transition into being a survivor.”

The federal Office for Victims of Crime has declared the theme for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2026 is: “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.” 

This year’s theme recognizes the important role providers, law enforcement and so many others play in helping victims understand the right of crime victims to participate in the justice system, confer with prosecutors about their case and be made aware of developments and proceedings throughout the legal process.

Idaho voters in 1994 passed the Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment and since then the state has been a national leader in recognizing the importance of ensuring victims have a place and voice.

“Victims who believe their voice will be heard and feel safe and secure are more likely to disclose their victimization, seek services and participate in a meaningful way in the criminal justice system,” states the proclamation signed by Little.