U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina Host National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Ceremony

RALEIGH, N.C – United States Attorneys Michael Easley from the Eastern District of North Carolina, Sandra J. Hairston from the Middle District, and Dena J. King from the Western District, together with various local and state leaders, gathered on Tuesday morning to promote community engagement in supporting crime survivors and victims. Local news reporter Debra Morgan of WRAL emceed the event, which featured music by The 100 Men in Black Ensemble, and an array of speakers delivering messages of hope to victims of crime.  Students from Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School were also recognized for their participation in a poster contest featuring butterflies in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Two service organizations were also featured, including Safe Child and Ship Outreach, for their role in helping survivors of crime.

North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections

“In the face of gun violence and an opioid epidemic claiming far too many lives, we won’t allow our communities to be defined by grief and loss,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “In National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we highlight the brave victims, survivors, and service providers seeking justice in our courts.  We also recognize that true healing requires services and care, wrapping up survivors and ensuring they and their loved ones are never forgotten.”

“Each year, we honor and pay tribute to the victims of crime, to those who are survivors of crime, and to the courageous families who love them,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of North Carolina. “We take this time to thank the outstanding victims’ advocates and law enforcement professionals who are dedicated to supporting survivors and seeking justice for all victims. We will continue this work throughout the year and in years to come to seek justice for the victims and to give hope to the survivors and their families.”

“National Crime Victims’ Rights Week emphasizes the importance of supporting and advocating for crime victims and survivors within our justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina. “This year’s theme reflects our dedication to individuals whose lives have been affected by crime and underscores our commitment to ensuring their rights are recognized and upheld every step of the way. When we put victim advocacy at the forefront of our efforts, we ensure that crime victims and survivors have access to the care, support, and resources they need throughout their journey toward healing and justice.”

This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme is “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.” The theme aims to ensure that everyone in a community, including friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, service providers, or other trusted members of the community, understands their crucial role in supporting crime victims and survivors, and is prepared to offer support.

The U.S. Attorneys Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina are proud to join the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and communities throughout the United States during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in raising awareness of victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and their advocates.

For additional information about this year’s NCVRW and how to assist victims in your own community, please visit the United States Attorney’s Office website.  For more ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.