- Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
Media Contact
Elaine Driscoll, Director of Communications and Policy
Boston, MA — Today, in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced its first-ever Victim Services Conference, themed Empowering Survivors Through Compassion, Collaboration, and Commitment. This innovative event will be held on June 10, 2025, at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood. The event, hosted by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance (MOVA), aims to bring together survivors, victim advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, and community organizations to foster a deeper understanding of the survivor experience, discuss the resources available, and ensure a trauma-informed, collaborative approach to supporting survivors and victims.
“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week serves as a solemn reminder of the lasting emotional, physical, and psychological toll a traumatic experience has on victims and survivors. Our Victim Services Conference is a new way to expand our commitment to supporting the unique needs of those impacted by crime through collaboration among survivors, advocates and criminal justice professionals,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By bringing together these diverse voices, we can create a more effective support network that ensures everyone has access to resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”
“This conference provides an important opportunity to amplify the voices of survivors while enhancing partnerships and interagency collaboration to ensure that victims have the dignity and support that they deserve at every step of the healing process,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “During this week of advocacy, and through innovative initiatives such as the Victim Services Conference, we pledge to ensure that those who have been impacted by crime and violence are not alone.”
“Survivors of crime deserve a system that is responsive, compassionate, and supportive at every stage of their journey,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “This conference is an opportunity to strengthen our collective commitment to victim services and enhance collaboration across agencies to improve access to justice, resources, and healing.”
The conference will feature a combination of personal stories, expert insight, and small group discussions. The conference will focus on the emotional, legal, and logistical challenges survivors face as they navigate the criminal justice system. Through powerful survivor testimonials, expert panels, and interactive breakout sessions, attendees will gain critical insights into improving victim services and ensuring survivors’ rights are upheld.
Key sessions include:
- Survivor Voices: The Implementation of Victim Rights: Survivors will share personal experiences navigating the legal system and highlight areas for improvement.
- Post-Release Victim Services Programs: A discussion on support systems for victims following an offender’s release.
- Collaborative Risk Assessment: A session led by experts on addressing domestic violence and sexual assault through coordinated efforts.
- The Role of Trained Support Dogs in Victim Services: A look at how therapy dogs assist victims in court and community settings.
“Our systems and supports for crime victims should be informed by those with lived experience,” said MOVA Executive Director Liam Lowney. “In elevating survivor voices at this conference, we create an opportunity to listen, learn, and recommit to enhancing our practices to better empower victims and survivors in their healing.”
The conference will include welcoming remarks from Governor Healey, Secretary Reidy, and leaders in victim advocacy. The Ritzer Family, founders of the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, will also share their perspective on honoring victims through advocacy and support.
Emceed by Undersecretary Gina Kwon, the event will include exhibits and networking opportunities for attendees to connect with victim services providers and justice system professionals. This conference is open to law enforcement, probation and parole officers, prosecutors, the Attorney General’s Office, victim service providers, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Correction, sheriffs, and community-based victim service organizations.
The inaugural Victim Services Conference marks the latest effort by EOPSS to enhance public safety through educational programs on emerging topics. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration, share critical knowledge, and drive innovative solutions to pressing challenges. Other recent convenings include the Emerging Adults Summit, Civil Rights Symposium, Election Security Summit, the Campus Safety and Security Summit, and the “Deadly White Powder” Symposium.
Through these efforts, EOPSS reaffirms its leadership in public safety innovation, providing stakeholders with the knowledge and resources necessary to protect and serve communities across Massachusetts.
To request further information, click here.
###
Media Contact
