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Blog Post

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Observances Planned Across the Country

The Candlelight Observance

The Candlelight Observance

Each year the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to bring attention to the needs of crime victims. In addition, the Department recognizes those individuals and organizations whose outstanding work on behalf of crime victims has won them the esteem of their colleagues in the victim service and criminal justice fields. Attorney General Eric Holder hosted two prelude events in Washington, DC, on April 15 and 16, to launch National Crime Victims Rights Week, April 18-24. Details about the Candlelight Observance held on April 15 and Awardee photos, bios, tribute video clips from the Awards Ceremony on April 16 are available at in an online gallery. A number of state and local agencies, victim service providers, and others will be observing the week. For details about what is happening in your community, check the calendar available on the Office for Victims of Crime website. As President Obama noted in his proclamation about the week:
 "Millions of Americans fall prey to criminal behavior every year, and still more suffer the physical, emotional, and psychological pain of past offenses….During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we reaffirm our support for victims and survivors of crime, and we recommit to strengthening the Federal, State, and local partnerships that are reducing criminal activity. Together, we will build a safer, more secure America."
More information about assistance for crime victims is available at crimevictims.gov.
Updated April 7, 2017
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