Department of Justice and United States Attorney Honor Crime Victims and Survivors During 2026 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa will commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) from April 19–25, 2026.

This year’s NCVRW theme is Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities. The weeklong initiative promotes victims’ rights and honors crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. “This week gives us a chance to thank the people and organizations whose tireless work comforts victims of crime in Iowa, giving them support, life-saving services, and, most importantly, hope,” said United States Attorney Leif Olson.

NCVRW 2026 is commemorated in Iowa with many events across the state, including:

·           Sioux City Community Awareness Event: A large gathering at the Sioux City Convention Center featuring 30+ agencies to support survivors and share resources.

·           17th Annual “Go the Distance for Crime Victims” 5K: Held at Thomas Park in Marion to support victims’ costs.

·           Iowa Department of Corrections Annual Crime Victims’ Rights Week Commemoration: A presentation honoring deceased crime victims, their loved ones, and those that supported them through the criminal justice system. 

Olson also announced winners of awards given to those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to crime victims in Iowa. The Award for Victim Services honors individuals or groups working in a victim-service role. The Law Enforcement Victim Services Award is the highest federal honor for victim services presented to law-enforcement officers in Iowa.

Receiving the Victim Services Award is Sarah Harms, victim-witness coordinator of the Statewide Prosecution Section of the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. Receiving the Law Enforcement Victim Services Award are Deputy Erin Bennett, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office; Special Agent Holly Witt, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation; and Detective Christopher Wuebker, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.

NCVRW began in 1981 to honor victims and survivors of crime, raise awareness of victims’ rights and services, and recognize the dedication of those who work with crime victims.

For additional information about this year’s NCVRW activities and more ideas on supporting crime victims, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.

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