JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sunday marks the start of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, dedicated to raising awareness and supporting victims and survivors of violent crime.
The Justice Coalition already works every day to accomplish those goals in Northeast Florida. It provides support in many ways — from accompanying victims and survivors to court and even providing some financial assistance.
On Monday, the organization will host the annual Tossing of the Roses, an event where families gather to honor their missing or murdered loved ones. This will be one of the first local events marking National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2024.
“It’s a time to come together as a nation and honor the survivors and loved ones. And support them and show them we’re here for them and help them through the times they need help with,” Justice Coalition’s Executive Director, Robert Bracewell, said.
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Foster Coker is also part of the organization’s Board of Directors. He was led to the Justice Coalition after he and his wife survived a violent attack when armed intruders invaded their home 10 years ago.
“There was a gunfight in the living room, and we were wounded both very seriously injured. As it worked out, one of the attackers didn’t survive, but that then led us into three years of court cases surrounding the rest of the gang members that were involved in the attack. And that’s where the Justice Coalition came to our rescue in the days right after it happened,” Coker said.
This week is filled with multiple events including:
- Monday morning, there will be a press conference at City Hall marking Victims’ Rights Week
- The Tossing of the Roses, which will be held at 5:30 p.m.
- Tuesday will be a day of community workshops and a resource fair
- Wednesday is Denim Day, there will be a rally and press conference at City Hall. It’s a day when people are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence
- This Friday, there will be a Shoot for Justice event to fundraise for the Justice Coalition.
Most importantly, this week of events is a message to victims — they don’t have to walk this journey alone.
“The Justice Coalition has just been so vital not only in my case, but in hundreds of cases every year, helping them through the trauma, the loss, through the court system,” Coker said.
The Tossing of the Roses Event is scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Haskell Building on Riverside Avenue. It is open to the public and I’ll be the emcee.
If you want to learn more about all the local events observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Jacksonville visit this website.
To learn more about the “Shoot for Justice” fundraising event happening Friday, April 26, visit this website.