National Crime Victims’ Rights Week


April 24, 2015

The FBI joins the nation in its observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week—a time to emphasize victims’ rights and recognize those who advocate on their behalf.


Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: The FBI joins the nation in its observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week—a time to emphasize victims’ rights and recognize those who advocate on their behalf.

When the FBI investigates a crime, its Office for Victim Assistance, or OVA, ensures victims and their families receive the rights they are entitled to through federal law. Assistant Director Kathryn Turman…

Kathryn Turman: I think the most important right, the foundation for everything, is the right to be treated with fairness and with respect for their dignity and privacy.

Halpern: Nearly 50 victim specialists who are experts in working with victims of violent crimes, hostage situations, and child victims will be added to OVA. It’s funded through the fines and fees federal offenders pay.

Joseph Samaha lost his daughter Reema in the mass shooting at Virginia Tech this month eight years ago…

Joseph Samaha: After you’ve lost someone, a piece of your heart is gone, a piece of you is gone—and how do you cope with that? For those that are heroes, that can step up and able to speak and be a voice, we hug them and hold them and say thank you.

Halpern: I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau with FBI, This Week.

-Related News Blog
-More on our Office for Victim Assistance
-More on National Crime Victims' Rights Week

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