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Franklin County Commissioners Show Support For Crime Victims’ Rights

Commissioners

April 17, 2026

A group of business professionals pose for a photo. A man in the center holds open a proclamation to display.
On Wednesday, Franklin County Commissioners John Flannery and Bob Ziobrowski joined District Attorney Ian Brink along with staff from the District Attorney’s office, juvenile probation and WIN Victim Services in proclaiming April 19-25, 2026 to be Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Franklin County.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have declared April 19-25, 2026, to be Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners reaffirmed the county’s commitment to amplifying the voices of survivors and creating an environment where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed and supported.

Both Pennsylvania and federal laws guarantee victims the right to meaningfully participate in the criminal justice process. By enforcing these rights, service providers, advocates, law enforcement officers, attorneys and other allied professionals can help survivors find their justice.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and the 2026 national theme focuses on community and unity. That theme raises awareness of how crime victims and survivors work hand in hand with those who serve them as well as countless allies to ensure that victims’ needs are identified and met with quality, collaborative and comprehensive services.

“Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to remind survivors and victims of crime that they are not alone,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Healing and hope are within reach, thanks to the service providers, criminal justice professionals and other community members who are dedicated to ensuring all victims of crime receive relevant assistance, support and justice on the road to peace.”

There are more than 12,000 system- and community-based victim services programs across the nation that help crime survivors and promote community safety. One such provider is WIN Victim Services, which has been supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence in Franklin and Fulton counties since 1976.

WIN Victim Services assists the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office and the county’s juvenile probation department with victims and witnesses participating in the criminal and juvenile justice process. This partnership, known as Franklin County Victim Witness Services, served 825 crime victims in 2025. Of those individuals, 701 were in the adult criminal court system and included 171 victims of domestic violence and 150 of sexual violence. Another 124 were victims of juvenile crime.

By recognizing Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the commissioners urged all Franklin County residents to support individuals affected by crime and to do their part to ensure they have access to a safe environment, appropriate resources and have hope for a better future.

To conclude Crime Victims’ Rights Week, WIN Victim Services will host Winning for WIN Bingo April 26 at St. Thomas Township Fire and Rescue, 34 School House Road, St. Thomas. Doors open at 11 a.m. with lunch at noon and bingo beginning at 1 p.m. Proceeds from the event will assist the organization in supporting crime victims and survivors. For more information, visit www.winservices.org.