Washington, DC – On Saturday, October 25, 2003, Witness Justice, a national nonprofit organization serving victims of violent crime, will unveil a first-of-its-kind online "Virtual Community" where crime victims can connect with and support one another in a user-friendly, easily accessible and completely anonymous environment, free of charge.

The Virtual Community was made possible through a generous grant from the Starbucks Memorial Fund, which was created in 1997 to honor three Starbucks employees tragically lost in the company's Georgetown store.

Since safety and security are primary concerns for many crime victims, the Virtual Community was designed to offer unparalleled anonymity and a unique opportunity for victims to express themselves. It will allow victims to connect, share stories and ideas and ask pressing questions, all of which may be difficult for some victims to do in more traditional group or therapy settings.

The Virtual Community will also serve victims who don't report crimes and therefore may not have access to state-sponsored support services. More than half of all victims of violence do not report the crimes committed against them. The Virtual Community will provide a unique around-the-clock opportunity for victims to share experiences, ideas and strategies regarding healing and justice.

Witness Justice will launch the Virtual Community to Washington, DC-area victims on Make a Difference Day, October 25, expanding the service to victims nationwide on December 16, the second annual National Day of Victim Justice. In celebration of Make A Difference Day, Witness Justice will offer expert volunteers to respond to a wide range of victim concerns. The Virtual Community is accessible via the Witness Justice Web site at www.witnessjustice.org/virtualcommunity.

"As a survivor of violent crime, I know first-hand how difficult it can be for victims to connect with each other and how beneficial this link can be during the search for healing and justice," said Helga West, President and CEO of Witness Justice. "We hope the Virtual Community serves as a valuable resource for victims seeking help from those who best understand the struggles along the road to recovery - other victims."

Witness Justice is a national nonprofit organization created by survivors for survivors to empower victims of violence with the information, support and tools needed to recover and establish a sense of personal justice and healing. We directly serve victims throughout the country, offering support regardless of where a victim lives, when or where the crime occurred or whether the crime was ever reported. For more information, please visit us at www.WitnessJustice.org or call 800-4WJ-HELP.