Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

HAMMOND- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana joins the nation in commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed this year from April 21-27, 2024. This annual observance, led by the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), honors victims of crime, recognizes victim advocates, and promotes the rights and services available to victims. President Ronald Reagan established National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to raise awareness of these crucial issues.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “My Office prioritizes collaboration with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners.  We emphasize the importance of providing support to victims at the earliest stages of investigations and litigation. This year, we have increased our efforts by implementing more efficient policies and procedures to align with Attorney General Garland’s revised Victim Rights Guidelines issued on March 31, 2023.   Timely and sustained interactions with victims prevents re-victimization and promotes healing as cases move through the criminal justice system.”

In 2022, there were nearly 20 million crime victimizations in the United States.  More than 6.6 million were the result of violent crimes, including rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.  Of that 6.6 million, only about 42% were reported to police.  This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme is “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.” We must create an environment in which victims and survivors feel safe talking about what happened to them. The theme aims to ensure that everyone in a community knows where and how crime victims and survivors can find help — including friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, service providers, or other trusted members of the community. We must all be prepared to offer support.

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 24th, 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, the vigil is an opportunity to engage and empower community members to offer support to all types of victims and survivors.  For additional information on the candlelight vigil as well as other events, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/events.  Locally, please check city/county websites for any events planned in your area.  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.