Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

HAMMOND- Every April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) to honor victims, promote their rights and recognize victim advocates.  In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and right of victims of crime.  To observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week , the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana is co-sponsoring an Intimate Partner Violence Training on April 25, 2023 in coordination with the South Bend Police Department and the Office of Victims of Crime. 

The Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2021, there were more than 4.6 million violent victimizations and 11.7 million property crimes.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local, and tribal agencies host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. On the evening of Wednesday, April 26th, a candlelight vigil will be held on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol from 7:00pm-8:00pm EST.  In recognition of this year’s theme: Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change. – the vigil is an opportunity to commit to elevating and engaging survivors to lift their voices, inform policy and practice, thereby effect change.  For more information on the candlelight vigil, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/events.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “My office collaborates with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to highlight the importance of providing services at the earliest possible stage of victimization and litigation.  Early intervention helps prevent further victimization and encourages victim involvement in the criminal justice system, mitigating the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.”

For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.  For ongoing updates from OVC and ideas throughout the year on how you can support victims, please subscribe to OVC’s email notifications at  https://ovc.ojp.gov/subscribe/news-from-ovc.