NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joins the Department of Justice, the Office for Victims of Crime  the Eastern District of Louisiana state and local law enforcement and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week.  This year’s 40th anniversary of NCVRW observance takes place April 18-24 and features the theme, Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.

Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is a time to renew our commitment to serving all victims of crime, to acknowledge the achievements in victim services and allied professions, to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their service to others, and to remember crime victims and survivors.

The Office for Victims of Crime selected the theme—Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities. —that emphasizes the importance of leveraging community support to help victims of crime.

The faces of crime victims are those of our family, friends, neighbors, and community members. According to the most recent National Crime Victimization Survey from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1.2 million people were victims of violent crime excluding simple assault in 2019, a significant decrease from the year before. Now is the time to redouble our efforts so that victimization continues to decline, and fewer and fewer Eastern District of Louisiana residents become victims of crime. Our office will commemorate the advancement of victims’ rights and highlight issues surrounding victimization

In the Eastern District of Louisiana, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will team up with federal law enforcement, local law enforcement, judicial agencies and non-profit organizations to commemorate the week, through a combination of virtual and in-person activities.  The challenges of  COVID-19 will not hamper the efforts of victim advocates to seek justice, ensure victims’ rights and inspire hope for victims of crime.

“Annually, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, provides the opportunity for law enforcement, judicial agencies, and direct service providers to reaffirm their commitment to assist and empower crime victims, said U.S. Attorney Evans.  “It is imperative that crime victims know that collectively law enforcement and partners will continue to diligently investigate potential wrongdoing, prosecute criminal behavior and seek justice for victims.”

For events in Eastern District of Louisiana Parishes, please refer to the local law enforcement agencies websites for details.  Please refer to the EDLA website for a listing of EDLA parishes https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla

For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/national-crime-victims-rights-week/overview.