U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois issued the following announcement on April 21.
John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced an observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s observance celebrates victims’ rights, protections and services, and features the theme, “Seek Justice ~ Ensure Victims’ Rights ~ Inspire Hope.”
“While we all work to combat the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, our office remains vigilant in seeking justice on behalf of victims of federal crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Our attorneys and staff members work tirelessly to advocate for the rights of victims, offering a tremendous amount of support and assistance during an often difficult legal process.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns. The annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will also be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person.
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims’ rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Approximately 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is comprised of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of OJP. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival.”
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