U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California issued the following announcement on April 21.
U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“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.”
Some 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, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
The Victim-Witness Assistance Program for the U.S. Attorney’s Office is responsible for providing victim notification and coordinating a variety of assistance services for victims and witnesses during the prosecution of criminal and civil cases in the Northern District of California. In 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office sent out over 127,000 notifications of court events to victims. The Office’s Victim-Witness Unit is dedicated to ensuring victim rights, seeking justice and inspiring hope among the communities that make up the Northern District of California.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal 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 community events scheduled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office have been postponed until in-person events can be held safely.
“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. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
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