U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.  

“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured.”

“Justice is not only prosecuting the offender, it is upholding the rights of victims,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “During Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and throughout the year, we honor the resilience of victims and survivors and we commemorate those who champion victims’ rights and advocate for victim-centered approaches within the criminal justice system.”

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota has a dedicated team of Victim Witness Specialists. In addition to ensuring compliance with victims’ rights, as set forth in federal statute, team members accompany crime victims to court, make referrals for counseling, and assist in accessing victim compensation funds. For more information or to contact the Victim Witness Specialists, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/victim-witness.

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600