LOS ANGELES - In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the United States Attorney’s Office has hosted a presentation and resource fair to honor victims and survivors. The office also conducted a Victim Service Awards ceremony to honor law enforcement personnel who have provided the highest level of assistance to victims and survivors of crime.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. The theme this year is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims." President Trump proclaimed April 8 through 14, 2018, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
The United States Attorney’s office, in partnership with Mount Saint Mary’s University, on Tuesday evening hosted a victim rights presentation and a resource fair with the goal of ensuring that every crime victim has access to services and support. The event honored victims and their advocates, and highlighted services available to victims of crime.
United States Attorney Nicola T. Hanna was joined at Tuesday’s event by representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles Police Department, and non-profit victim support service organizations. The Pet Prescription Team made a presentation on how therapy dogs can provide vital support to crime victims. The speakers emphasized how law enforcement, mental health professionals, community-based organizations and local residents can work in tandem to support crime victims.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to serving and protecting victims - no matter the type of crime that has affected them," said United States Attorney Nicola T. Hanna. “Whether the victim has suffered physical, financial or emotional trauma, our staff practices a victim-centered approach that assures victims’ rights are protected and all available services are provided."
Tuesday night’s event at Mount Saint Mary’s University’s Doheny campus also included representatives from the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking; the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, Crisis Response Team (CRT); Strength United; the YWCA of Los Angeles; and the Los Angeles LGBTQ Center.
In another event this week, the United States Attorney’s Office held its annual Victim Service Awards ceremony on Wednesday to honor local and federal law enforcement agents and prosecutors who consistently strive to provide a focused, victim-centered approach to supporting victims of crime and next of kin on cases handled by the office.
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 Victim Witness Assistance Program of the United States Attorney’s Office provides a variety of services and assistance to victims and witnesses. Further information about the local program can be found on its website or by calling (888) 228-0315.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
