MONTEREY COUNTY — Crime victims, survivors and those who serve them will join communities across the United States in observing the 2026 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19-25, promoting victims’ rights, services and awareness of the impact of crime on neighborhoods, schools and the nation.
Monterey County District Attorney’s Office Victims of Crime Unit has worked since 1978 to uphold victims’ rights and provide support through victim assistance and compensation programs. In 2025, the unit provided more than 35,473 mandated services to 3,948 new crime victims.
The week-long commemoration honors both victims of crime and the agencies that assist them. Monterey County will host an event on Friday, April 10, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Monterey County Courthouse courtyard, 142 W. Alisal St., in Salinas.
This year’s event will feature the Martinez family as inspirational speakers. They are the immediate family of Yvette Martinez, a young Greenfield woman murdered in 2010 by her ex-boyfriend. Survivors of homicide victims will announce the names of their loved ones and release doves in memory of all crime victims.
A video honoring homicide victims in Monterey County will also be available on the DA’s Facebook page at facebook.com/montereyda.
For more information, contact Victim Witness Program Manager Alma Sanchez at 831-755-5072.
