Wreath laying in memory of all crime victims and their families; recommitting to provide services for crime victims among the events at the Rhode Island’s Victims’ Grove
PROVIDENCE, RI - Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by honoring victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
"In law enforcement, we are sworn to serve and protect," Attorney General Sessions said. "We carry out this oath every day by protecting the rights of law abiding people from criminals and by achieving justice for crime victims. This week, we remember the millions of Americans who have been victimized by criminals and we thank those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to those victims. As we do so, we recommit ourselves to fulfilling our oath and to reducing crime in America."
In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch today joined Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin, other state and local leaders, and victim advocates at Rhode Island’s Victims’ Grove in downtown Providence to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
“Today we gather to honor victims of crime and to recognize the efforts of the people who work hard day in and day out to protect and serve those victims," said United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch at today’s commemoration at Victims’ Grove. “These people, who include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim services specialists, employees of non-profit agencies and community volunteers, are tireless in their efforts to expand opportunities for victims to disclose, to connect with services and to receive the support they need and deserve."
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 13, 2018, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the Rhode Island U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Victim Witness Program at (401) 709-5000.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
