BIRMINGHAM, ALA. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Alabama, Northern), published as received.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 24-30. This year’s theme “Rights, Access, Equity, for all Victims,” emphasizes the importance of helping crime survivors  by enforcing federal victim’s rights, expanding access to services, and ensuring equity and inclusion for all.

“This week we reflect on our responsibilities to crime victims in our communities and renew our commitment to enforcing victims’ rights and providing victim services,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Working together with community partners, we are better able to serve victims of crime and support them through the healing process.” 

Over the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama has  provided direct services to over 900 crime victims. We also worked alongside community partners to raise awareness and  host  trainings and events for community members and law enforcement focused on human trafficking and opioids. Our office continues to maintain pivotal partnerships with One Place Metro Birmingham Family Justice Center, One Place of the Shoals, North Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force, Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention, and the Vicarious Trauma Initiative Team. These partnerships are key to expanding access to services and enabling crime victims to find the justice they seek, in whatever form that might take.

The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), during which victim advocacy organizations, community groups, and state, and local agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. For more information about this year’s NCVRW and how to assist victims in your own community, please visit the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week website.

The following event will be held in our local area to commemorate NCVRW 2022:

  • NCVRW Candlelight Vigil hosted by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Bessemer Division on Thursday, April 28, 2022, beginning at 6 p.m. at Perfecting Reconciliation Church, 1723 3rd Avenue North, Bessemer.