Eastern District of Louisiana Commemorates 2023 National Crime Victims' Rights Week

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joins the United States Department of Justice, the Office for Victims of Crime,  the Eastern District of Louisiana’s (EDLA) state and local law enforcement as well as communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), a celebration of victims’ rights, protections and services .  This year’s NCVRW observance takes place April 23-27 and features the theme, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.”

According to a  Bureau of Justice Statistics report , in 2021, the latest year for which such information is available, there were more than 4.6 million violent victimizations and 11.7 million property crimes.

“Each year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, allows law enforcement, judicial agencies, and direct service providers the opportunity to reassert their commitment to assist and empower crime victims,” said U.S. Attorney Evans.  “Crime  victims may rest assured  that both  law enforcement and direct service partners will continue to diligently investigate , prosecute  and seek justice for those harmed by criminal wrongdoing .”

The federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities nationwide  in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week  both by raising awareness of victims' rights  and by honoring crime victims and their advocates.  This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.”  Partner organizations are committed to engaging with crime victims; learning from their  experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment  of safety, support and sympathy.

In the Eastern District of Louisiana, the U.S. Attorney’s Office joins federal and local law enforcement, , judicial agencies and non-profit organizations to commemorate NCVRW,  through a series of activities. 

For events in those parishes comprising the Eastern District of Louisiana, please refer to the local law enforcement agencies websites for details.  Please refer to the EDLA website for a listing of EDLA parishes https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla.  We encourage participation in NCVRW’s victim recognition events.

For more information on creating your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit OVC’s website at ovc.ojp.gov.