U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes National Crime Victims’ Right Week

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –The United States Attorney Office will speak to more than 3,000 students spanning several counties across the Northern District of West Virginia in April to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Each year in April, 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. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance took place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims. 

"In law enforcement, we are sworn to serve and protect," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "We carry out this oath every day by protecting the rights of law abiding people from criminals and by achieving justice for crime victims. This week, we remember the millions of Americans who have been victimized by criminals and we thank those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to those victims. As we do so, we recommit ourselves to fulfilling our oath and to reducing crime in America."

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia has teamed up with the YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program in Wheeling to present “#SmartonSocial,” a presentation that discusses the positives and negatives of social media. The presentation discusses the importance of social media in college and employment applications. It also warns students about the dangers that lurk online, and shares the legal implications involving cyberbullying and sexting.

“Protecting our communities is our number one priority. Crime victims are often our most vulnerable citizens, and we take care in our work because of them. We will continue this work, including community education, with the hope of reducing the number of crime victims in our district,” said Powell.

According to the Pew Research Center, 88% of 18-29 year olds admit to having at least one social media account. As the prevalence of social media rises, awareness must rise, too. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to offering prevention presentations to students and parents across the district.

Presentations regarding drug prevention and human trafficking will also be offered in the month of April to expand the circle of education. The YWCA is also offering family violence prevention presentations at several local schools.

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. 

For more information on presentations, or to schedule a presentation, call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 304-234-0100.