U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, Timothy M. O’Shea, collaborates with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, to observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 6 to 12, 2025.
The theme for this year is "Kinship," highlighting the significance of shared humanity in connecting individuals to essential services, rights, and pathways for healing. Kinship is considered the foundation of victim advocacy.
This annual event aims to foster a world where every connection formed through kinship has the potential to heal. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that survivors have access to resources and encourages individuals to support each other with empathy and purpose.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was first established in 1981 to increase awareness of the needs and rights of crime victims. U.S. Attorney O’Shea highlighted the week as a chance "to reflect on the importance of making the justice system work for survivors of crime." He stressed that, for survivors, justice goes beyond arrests or convictions, incorporating being heard and treated with respect and dignity. He stated, "My office will continue to strive to honor the voices of crime victims throughout all stages of federal criminal prosecutions."
Additionally, O’Shea commended those working in law enforcement and the community for supporting crime victims, acknowledging the substantial impact crime can have on an individual's mental and physical health. O’Shea remarked, "Providing emotional support and other assistance to crime victims is an invaluable part of providing justice and I applaud those who do this important work."
For more information on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/national-crime-victims-rights-week/overview.
