OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday adopted a resolution recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 6-12, 2025. Wednesday, April 9, is Victims' Rights Day.

House Resolution 1017 was authored by Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, a former Tulsa Police officer.

"I'm just proud to be here to have a voice for the victims that can no longer speak," Ford said before reading the resolution.

The theme for this year's observation is “Kinship, Connecting, and Healing.”

The resolution reads that "advocates believe all victims deserve equal rights throughout the judicial system. The rights of victims being pursued aim to provide coequal protections that are no more and no less than the rights afforded to those accused and convicted of crimes. Consideration, awareness, and a voice for victims are central to the remembrance of victims during National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

"Oklahoma agrees that victims should always be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process, protected from the defendant, provided reasonable opportunities to be heard at public proceedings regarding his or her case, and given a voice throughout each process of the case.

"National Crime Victims' Rights Week serves to recognize the needs of crime victims and statewide advocacy organizations that are dedicated to guaranteeing victims' rights."

Members of the House resolved to join efforts with advocacy organizations throughout the state to continue recognizing and supporting victims' rights, and reaffirmed their commitment to help protect the rights of all Oklahoma crime victims, year-round.

Copies of this resolution will be distributed to the Victims Services Division of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council.