United States Attorney’s Office Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

DETROIT, MI – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 21-27, 2024, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, along with the Detroit Crime Victims’ Action Team, will be recognizing crime victims and those who have dedicated their lives to serve and assist victims of crime. 

“My office stands ready to support victims and ensure they know their rights,” stated United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.  “Our staff of professionals are dedicated to ensuring that victims’ rights are protected, and that their voices are heard in every case.”

“Victims of crime from months old to well into their nineties and/or their families that have been left behind deserve a justice system that works for them. Whether they have been murdered, sexually assaulted, robbed, tortured, or abused, they should be treated with respect and be supported. Prosecutors, advocates, and law enforcement can often be their last line of defense. And although we cannot restore their lives to what they were before their victimization, we can stand by them, seek justice for them, advocate for them, and try to give them hope for a crime free future,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

Each year in April, the federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by raising awareness of victims' rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. The NCVRW theme for 2024 is How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors. This year’s theme is focused on creating safe environments for crime victims to share what happened to them and offer support, options for life-saving services, and most importantly, hope.

Each year during NCVRW, the Detroit Crime Victims Action Team, which is comprised of Crime Stoppers of Michigan, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, honors an organization or individual for outstanding service to victims of crime.  The 2024 honoree is SafeHouse Center,  whose mission is to empower survivors of both sexual and intimate partner violence by providing advocacy, support, and promoting social change within our community. SafeHouse Center will be recognized for its tireless work to ensure that the needs of victims are met.  

This year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week event will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, 1441 St. Antoine, Detroit, Michigan.   Lauren Sowell, a sex trafficking survivor and Anti-Trafficking Specialist at Avalon Healing Center will be the guest speaker and share her emotional story of how she is using her voice to help others. 

Following the event, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Michigan, will be hosting a Wellness Event featuring vendors, food trucks, resources, and more.  For more information about the wellness event, contact Mechelle Donahoo and Pat Little at:VictimRightsEvent2024@waynecountymi.gov

All are welcome to attend this event.  This event will be livestreamed on the Facebook page for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act, commonly shortened to VOCA. This act was passed by Congress and signed into law on October 12, 1984. VOCA established the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), a Federal Victim Notification System, discretionary grants for victim service organizations, victim assistance positions in the Department of Justice, financial support for the Children’s Justice Act Program, and assistance and compensation for victims and survivors of terrorism.

For more information about how to support all victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.