Students and employees of Texas A&M University-San Antonio can learn about protection, victim impact statements, support services and other rights for crime victims during the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from noon to 1 p.m. in the lobbies of Classroom Hall April 20, the Central Academic Building April 21 and Business Library Hall April 22.
The University Police Department is organizing A&M-San Antonio’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Sgt. Karen Tucker-Engel, of UPD’s Office of Victims’ Services and Community Affairs Coordinator, is hosting the events.
“We hope we’re never a victim of a crime, but it’s good to know that you do have rights and what those rights are,” Tucker-Engel said.
Students can spin a wheel and answer questions at the interactive tablings. Students who answer questions correctly can receive free prizes.
“We’re going to have a few little giveaways there, some brochures, also different things,” Tucker-Engel said.
The week benefits everyone because it educates people about laws from the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 56A. These laws involve “rights to participate in the justice process and your rights to support services,” Tucker-Engel said.
Tucker-Engel has been a part of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week for 11 years.
“I’m the victim advocate here on campus and I’m real strong embedded on giving rights,” Tucker-Engel said.
She said that nationwide, the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has been around for 45 years.
The types of crimes can include “sexual assault, family violence, stalking, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, human trafficking or victim of concern, protective order or … bond condition violations.”
Tucker-Engel said there will be an appearance of Scout, UPD’s victim assistance dog, at each event where students can pet her or take pictures. Scout’s job is to comfort victims and reduce stress.
For more information, visit the JagSync pages for April 20, 21 and 22 events.
For more information about victims’ rights, email Tucker-Engel at ovs@tamusa.edu or call 210-784-1906.
To learn more about Scout, click here.
