Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
Memphis, TN – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee has joined forces with the Department of Justice’s Office of Victims of Crime in marking National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed from April 6 to 12, 2025. The theme for this observance, “Kinship - Connecting & Healing,” emphasizes the importance of shared humanity in supporting victims of crime. KINSHIP is described as the state of being with survivors, enabling vital connections to necessary services, rights, and pathways to healing.
Annually, during April, the Department of Justice, including various U.S. Attorney’s Offices, undertakes initiatives to honor crime victims and acknowledge the advocates who support them. Citing the Bureau of Justice Statistics, a report indicates that in 2023, there were about 20 million crime victimizations in the United States, with violent crimes accounting for over 6.4 million incidents. Of these violent crimes, approximately 45% were reported to law enforcement.
The observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is spearheaded by the United States Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime. The initiative dates back to 1981, when President Ronald Reagan called attention to the rights and needs of crime victims through this proclamation.
Within the Western District of Tennessee, a Victim Witness Coordinator supports victims of federal crimes by offering essential services. These include referrals for counseling, securing temporary housing, aiding access to victim compensation funds, and court accompaniment to provide support and guidance. Such initiatives aim to empower victims to rebuild their lives.
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs plays a significant role in providing leadership and resources to various justice systems across the United States. Efforts are focused on crime control and prevention, achieved in partnership with local law enforcement and through federal grants supporting these initiatives.
For more resources and information on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, individuals can visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2025/overview.
For further details, contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office can also be followed on Facebook and on X at @WDTNNews.
