The Gloucester County Victim/Witness Assistance Program will mark National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 21-27, with activities next week. The national theme for the week is "New Challenges—New Solutions."

"This whole week is about letting people know that we’re here," said Karen Mortensen, director of the local victim/witness assistance program since 2007. Mortensen is assisted in her work by domestic violence advocate Cindi Kovack.

Mortensen said her program assisted more than 500 new crime victims in 2012. Beginning on Monday and through next week, those victims will be represented by silhouettes and ribbons displayed in the county courthouse.

At 4:30 p.m. Monday, the Gloucester Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will stage a short ceremony in the courthouse to help kick off Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Commonwealth’s attorney Holly Smith said the ceremony is expected to include remarks by Gloucester Juvenile and Domestic Relations ...