Dear Colleague,
Thank you for joining us this week as we commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) and spread awareness of victims' rights, protections, and services.
I'm pleased to announce that the National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony will be Friday, October 2, 2020. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. Save the date and stay tuned for future updates by signing up for the NCVRW Subscription List. Spread the word by sharing this reflection from past award recipients!
I hope this week was an inspiration to you during this challenging time. It certainly was for me. My staff and I spent the week elevating the themes of NCVRW and hearing from the field by participating in a listening session about child trafficking and exploitation, a roundtable with past National Crime Victims' Service Awards recipients, and a webinar on victims' rights. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katie Sullivan also had the privilege of hearing important testimony during the Survivor's Perspective Panel for the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. At these events, we heard about survivors' and advocates' experiences navigating the justice system and needs that still exist, using technology to provide victim services and the surrounding challenges and considerations, and championing victims' rights at the state level.
As the 2020 observance of NCVRW comes to a close, remember that you can bring awareness to crime victims' rights throughout the year. "Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need." While we highlight this sentiment during NCVRW, let us remember to offer support to victims of crime, and those who serve them, every day.
On behalf of the Office for Victims of Crime, thank you again for your efforts in serving all victims of crime.
Sincerely,
Jessica E. Hart
Director, Office for Victims of Crime