The Department of Justice, in association with the Office for Victims of Crime and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa, is observing National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This event, scheduled from April 6 to 12, 2025, revolves around the theme “KINSHIP,” which aims to inspire acknowledgement of the shared humanity among crime survivors and victims. The theme encourages a collaborative approach to ensuring access to essential services, rights, and healing.
In Iowa, the Southern District is recognizing the courage of victims and the efforts of law enforcement, victim advocates, and service partners. Eleven individuals are receiving awards for excellence in victim services.
"Every day across Iowa law enforcement officers, agents and victim service providers offer a bridge between the criminal justice system and the shared humanity of victims and survivors. This KINSHIP is critical not only to the justice system, but more importantly to healing and hope for victims," said United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal for the Southern District of Iowa.
The Award for Excellence in Victim Services honors Investigators Scott Crouch and Molly Jansen for their work with the Drug Endangered Children program, and Roberta Cruz, who has been pivotal in bridging communication gaps for victims.
The Law Enforcement Victim Service Award recognizes several Iowa law enforcement members, including FBI Special Agent Michael Banfield and Ames Police Department Sergeant Blake Marshall. Their mutual recognition is for their work in investigating and prosecuting a serial sexual abuser. Ottumwa Police Department Investigators Caleb Mitchell and Jeremy Tosh, along with Wapello County Sheriff's Office Detective Aaron McConnell, are acknowledged for handling a violent sexual trafficking case.
Des Moines Police Department Investigator Luke Eblen, who investigated a dangerous sex trafficking case, and Jasper County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kira Lazenby receive honors for their respective contributions to victim services. Lazenby notably initiated a county-wide victim information system providing support across five agencies.
This annual commemoration stems from the establishment of Victims’ Rights Week by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, highlighting the need for comprehensive victim services.
For information on organizing public campaigns concerning crime victims’ rights, visit: NCVRW 2025.
