United States Attorney’s Office Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

DETROIT, MI – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 6-12, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, along with the Detroit Crime Victims’ Action Team, will be recognizing crime victims and those who have dedicated their lives to serve and assist victims of crime.
 

“My office stands ready to support victims and ensure they know their rights,” stated Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck. “Our staff of professionals are dedicated to supporting federal crime victims by providing them with essential services they need to help reshape their futures.”
 

“We have deep respect and gratitude for crime victims who courageously come forward to report their crimes to the police and come to testify in court. We ask a lot from them since they must re-live the violence and trauma they have experienced. Their families and friends are often victims of secondhand trauma. We thank you for your commitment to the criminal justice system. We could not perform our work without you,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
 

Each year in April, the federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by raising awareness of victims' rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme of KINSHIP is a call to action to recognize that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime. KINSHIP is a state of being with survivors that drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing. KINSHIP is where victim advocacy begins.
 

This year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week events will kick off with a Survivor Walk-Sunday, April 6, 2025 @ 10:00 am on Belle Isle. The meeting point is adjacent to the Fountain. A second event - Crime Victim Awareness Event- Know the Signs- Education, Awareness and Action - will take place on Tuesday April 8, 2025 @ 2:30 pm at Henry Ford College- Rosenau Rooms, Bldg L (5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI). The main event will be a community and resource fair on Friday, April 11 @ 12pm at the Criminal Justice Center, 5301 Russel Street, Detroit.
 

Nicole Marcell, a survivor of domestic violence will be the guest speaker and share her emotional story of how she is using her voice to help others.
 

Following the event, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Michigan, will be hosting a Wellness Event featuring vendors, food trucks, resources, and more. For additional information about 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities or about victims’ rights and services in Wayne County, please contact Mechelle Donahoo, Director Victim Services, 313-224-5626 or visit our website at https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/prosecutor/home/aspx
 

All are welcome to attend this event.
 

This year marks the 41st anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act, commonly shortened to VOCA. This act was passed by Congress and signed into law on October 12, 1984. VOCA established the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), a Federal Victim Notification System, discretionary grants for victim service organizations, victim assistance positions in the Department of Justice, financial support for the Children’s Justice Act Program, and assistance and compensation for victims and survivors of terrorism.
 

For more information about how to support all victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.