Central District of Illinois Joins Nation in Observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Central District of Illinois U.S. Attorney’s Office is joining the nation and local and state law enforcement and victim service organizations to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25, and features the theme, “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope.”

“This year’s commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week may look different, as we engage together in varied ways, but the message remains the same,” stated U.S. Attorney John C. Milhiser. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office pledges its commitment to seek justice for crime victims, to ensure their rights are upheld in the criminal justice system, and to work together with our federal, state and local partners to help victims recover. We thank the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who work daily to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.

“In Central Illinois, while dedicated service providers continue to build their capacity and resources to better serve crime victims, we have individuals and entities continuing to prey upon others. Those seeking to illegally profit and cause harm during the current COVID-19 crisis must be stopped and victims must be protected. If you see attempted fraud of others or if you or a loved one become a victim of such fraud, please report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721, or by email to disaster@leo.gov. The NCDF serves as the Department of Justice’s national clearinghouse to receive and coordinate response to complaints with federal, state and local law enforcement authorities.”

In Illinois, the Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, provides funding and support for local victim assistance programs and the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program. Federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures provide the funding for the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Since 1981, when Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week and established the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, the nation has continued to build and expand on the national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.