U.S. Attorney's Office Joins in Recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 8-14, 2018

PORTLAND, Ore. – Every April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) to honor crime victims, promote their rights and recognize those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s NCVRW will be held April 8-14, 2018 with the theme of Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office joins its federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners in taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of providing necessary services at the earliest possible stage of victimization and litigation. Early intervention helps prevent further victimization and encourages victim involvement in the criminal justice system, mitigating the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.

"In law enforcement, we are sworn to serve and protect," Attorney General Sessions said. "We carry out this oath every day by protecting the rights of law abiding people from criminals and by achieving justice for crime victims. This week, we remember the millions of Americans who have been victimized by criminals and we thank those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to those victims. As we do so, we recommit ourselves to fulfilling our oath and to reducing crime in America."

“According to Bureau of Justice statistics, victims experience more than five million crimes of violence and nearly 15 million property crimes annually. Sadly, odds are most Americans have been a victim of crime or know someone personally who has,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Now more than ever, victims of crime deserve a voice. They deserve to know that others stand with them and recognize their courage.”

“So often in this country when we talk about crime, the focus is on those who are breaking the law, including significant attention paid to the criminal’s life, arrest and punishment. For the men and women of the FBI, though, any given case is about much more than just handcuffs and court appearances. Our compassion for the victims is at the core of who we are and why we do what we do. For us, the rights and needs of the trafficked child, armed robbery victim or senior citizen who lost his life savings are just as important  - if not more so – than the story of the person who caused such harm,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

This year’s theme—Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims—highlights how the investment of communities in crime victims expands the opportunity for victims to disclose their victimization, connect with services and receive the support they need. The theme also acknowledges the many barriers facing victims of crime especially those with disabilities, LGBTQ victims, older adults, speakers with limited English proficiency, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and others from historically marginalized communities.

OVC and the U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. The Justice Department will host OVC’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 13, 2018 to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime. For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime, please contact your local law enforcement agency or your nearest FBI office immediately. The FBI Portland Field Office can be reached at (503) 224-4181.