Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby announced on Apr. 20 that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama is joining the Department of Justice and communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) from April 19 to April 25.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, first established in 1981, is dedicated to honoring victims of crime, promoting their rights, and recognizing those who support them throughout the justice process. The theme for this year is "Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities." According to Crosby, "This week we honor the strength and resilience of crime victims and survivors." She also said, "Together with our law enforcement and community partners, we will continue working to ensure that no victim feels alone and that justice is accessible to all."
Over the past year, staff from the U.S. Attorney’s Office provided direct services to more than 700 crime victims in northern Alabama through partnerships with organizations such as One Place Metro Birmingham Family Justice Center, One Place of the Shoals, National Children’s Advocacy Center, North Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, and Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention.
The Financial Litigation Program within the office collected over $12.3 million in restitution debts imposed in criminal cases during 2025—funds which were returned directly to crime victims—and nearly $309,000 in fines from criminal cases during that period.
To commemorate NCVRW this year, office staff will attend two public events: One Heart in the Park at East Lake Park on Saturday April 25 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and an NCVRW Candlelight Vigil at Perfecting Reconciliation Church on Thursday April 23 at 6 p.m., both hosted by Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office divisions.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama advances community safety through initiatives focused on public engagement according to its official website. The office operates facilities in Birmingham and Huntsville according to its official website as part of its role within the U.S Department of Justice according to its official website. It serves more than 2.8 million people across thirty-one counties according to its official website, prosecuting federal crimes including fraud recovery while defending civil cases involving federal interests according to its official website.
For more information about assistance programs or ways community members can help support crime victims locally during NCVRW or throughout the year, resources are available through both local agencies and national sites such as www.ovc.gov.
