National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, St. Thomas VI, 2023

St. Thomas, VI – In a disturbing trend that continues to plague communities across the nation, crime victims and advocates are being recognized and honored during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 23-29, 2023. U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith, on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is taking a stand to acknowledge the rights of crime victims and support them with vital services.

“Acknowledging the rights of crime victims and supporting them with services are essential parts of the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We work with our law enforcement and community partners to pursue justice, collect restitution, and identify resources needed to compensate those who suffer the consequences of crime,” United States Attorney Smith said.

Each year in April, the U.S. Attorney’s Office observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Office organizes events to bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s theme is, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” Partner organizations are committed to engaging with victims of crime; learning from their lived experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment where they are heard, believed, and supported.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness Coordinator, Antoinette James-Alleyne, is dedicated to supporting federal crime victims by providing notification of significant case events through the DOJ Victim Notification System (VNS). Through VNS, victims learn of upcoming court proceedings and the outcome of those proceedings. Victims can also use the VNS to participate in court proceedings and to make their voices heard.

In 2022, the District’s Victim Witness Coordinator provided several thousand notices to crime victims and provided victims with essential services, including referrals to counseling, securing temporary housing, assisting with access to victim’s compensation funds, and accompanying victims to court proceedings to provide support and guidance. These services provide victims with tools to reshape their futures.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and faith-based institutions to serve and assist victims of crime. By acknowledging the rights of crime victims and supporting them with vital services, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is taking a crucial step towards creating a safer and more just community for all.

For more information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, visit https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. To contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Program, email usama.victimservices@usdoj.gov.

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