The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina joins the Justice Department, law enforcement agencies, service providers, allied
The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has selected this year’s theme, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change,” to emphasize the importance of engaging with victims of crime; learning from their lived experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment where they are heard, believed, and supported.
To commemorate NCVRW, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will host a Distinguished Victim Services Award ceremony on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, to recognize outstanding individuals for their significant support and service to crime victims and their contributions to the cause of justice. The award recipients were selected for their professionalism, compassion, and superior service to crime victims, their efforts to restore victims’ security and trust, their extraordinary efforts to advocate on behalf of crime victims, and their exceptional commitment to the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also host a Victim Services Meetup on Thursday, April 27, 2023, for victim advocates. This meeting will focus on promoting networking and resource building among service providers working with federal and state prosecutors and law enforcement agencies within the 32 counties in Western North Carolina that the U.S. Attorney’s Office serves, to expand and strengthen the provision of services to victims of crime.
“Crime victims and crime survivors deserve our compassion, our attention, and our dedication,” said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King. “My Office stands with crime victims, survivors, and their families, and we reaffirm our collective mission to protect their rights, offer assistance, and provide access to resources centered on their individual needs at every step of the criminal justice process and beyond.”
Throughout the nation and in the Western District of North Carolina, victim advocacy organizations, community groups, and state, local, and Tribal agencies host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events during NCVRW, to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services.
The Office for Victims of Crime leads communities in their annual observances of NCVRW. On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, a candlelight vigil will be held on the National Mall from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time, to pay tribute to victims of crime and the many dedicated professionals and volunteers who advocate on their behalf. Attendees will also observe a moment of silence to honor all crime victims. Use this link to register for the event. For more information about how to support all victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at ovc.ojp.gov.
Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program can be found here.
Original source can be found here.