"It is important to let the families know that their loved ones, who was a victim, has not been forgotten," added Kathy Connolly, director of Rape Response.

Victims of child abuse, domestic violence, rape, homicide and other violent crimes, and their families, will be recognized during the National Crime Victims Week.

"This week we will be hosting the annual Celebration of Life and Celebration of Survivors in conjunction with National Crime Victims Week," said Angie Hamilton, assistant Lauderdale County district attorney.

The annual event will be Tuesday evening.

She said different victim service agencies and law enforcement will provide a variety of children activitiesTuesday night from 6-7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church gymnasium at Seminary and Tuscaloosa streets. The event is free and open to the public.

At 7 p.m., a program will feature keynote speaker Lauderdale County District Attorney Chief Assistant Will Powell.

Hamilton said after the program, the event will shift to Wilson Park.

"There, we'll have a candle-lighting ceremony and a balloon release in honor of fallen military and law enforcement, as well as lost loved ones due to violent crime," she said.

In honor of the area's crime victims, a memorial has been set up outside the Lauderdale County Courthouse.

"At least 45 downtown businesses will be honoring victims by displaying bows on their doors this week," Hamilton said.

Cabaniss said the memorial ceremony at the park is always a "powerful event."

"This is for the families, because it happened to them, and no matter how long it's been, they are still grieving," Cabaniss said.

"It's very emotional," Connolly said. "I've been going to these vigils since they started and never not cried."

This week has special meaning for Hamilton, whose grandmother was killed in Jefferson County in 1991.

"Families have to deal with the tragedy every day of their life. You become a member of a club that no one ever wants to be a member of," Hamilton said. "This is a chance that we have to come together and empower each other to continue to fight for the rights of victims."

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com. Follow on Twitter @TD_TomSmith.

Want to go?

What: Celebration of Life and Celebration of Survivors in conjunction with National Crime Victims Week.

When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday

Where: First United Methodist Church gym at Seminary and Tuscaloosa streets, and Wilson Park.

Details: Children’s activities and a short program will be at First United Methodist Church from 6-7 p.m.; a balloon release and candlelight vigil will follow about 7:30 p.m. in Wilson Park.

Cost: Free, open to the public.