U.S. Attorney’s Office Partners with Local Law Enforcement to Commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky, along with the Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Fayette County Attorney’s Office, the Lexington Police Department, and the Office of the Fayette County Sheriff will commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 8-14, 2018, at the Lexington Crime Victims’ Rights Luncheon, on April 11, 2018.  The luncheon is a collaboration of local law enforcement partners, to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and introduce the community to the important resources and services available.  According to the most recent Bureau of Justice Statistics survey, victims experience more than five million violent crimes and nearly 15 million property crimes a year.

This local partnership will commemorate the advancement of victims’ rights and highlight issues surrounding victimization at this event at 11:30 am, at the Fayette County Circuit Courthouse Multi-Purpose Room.  During the event, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will honor Rajbir Datta, an Assistant United States Attorney, with the Office’s Danny Ray Smith Crime Victims’ Rights Award.  Danny Ray Smith, the first Victim-Witness Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was a champion in advocating for expanded support and services to communities affected by crime.  Datta will receive the award for his tireless efforts to pursue restitution for victims in a significant fraud case that affected hundreds of victims.  The other law enforcement partners will be presenting awards as well.

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the U.S. Department of Justice leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.  This year’s theme—Expand the Circle:  Reach All Victims—highlights how the investment of communities in crime victims expands the opportunity for victims to disclose their victimization, connect with services, and receive the support they need.  The theme also acknowledges the many barriers facing victims of crime especially those with disabilities, LGBTQ victims, older adults, speakers with limited English proficiency, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and others from historically marginalized communities.

“Victims’ rights are of great importance in the criminal justice system, and I take very seriously my Office’s duty to ensure that victims’ voices are heard,” stated United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr.  “I am proud to partner with members of the law enforcement community to honor and renew our commitment to victims of crime.”   

OVC and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our local partners, encourage widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year.  The U.S. Department of Justice will host OVC’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony, in Washington, D.C., to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.

For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and how to assist victims in your community, please contact Jenny Parker, Victim Assistance Specialist, at 859-685-4906, or visit U.S. Attorney’s Office website, at www.justice.gov/usao-edky.  For additional ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.