HAMMOND — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Criminal Division), published as received.
HAMMOND- The United States Attorney’s Office in Northern Indiana will commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) from April 19-25, 2026.
This year’s NCVRW theme— “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.” —recognizes that shared humanity drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing.
United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred said, “This week is a time to reflect and dignify the experiences of survivors of crime, and for us to publicly commit to making sure they are heard and supported. It is also a time to honor the quiet, steady work of those who stand beside them in their darkest hours – victim advocates, agents, officers, counselors, family members, and legal professionals. Something was taken from the victims by the perpetrators, and our goal is to ultimately help them to take it back, by standing up in the courts and community to fight for accountability and justice. It is also our hope to help them see themselves as we see do: They are not merely victims… they are survivors and brave partners in the fight.”
In fiscal year 2025, across the country, USAO victim witness professionals contacted victims more than 513,000 times regarding services and court updates; asset forfeiture personnel contributed to almost $331 million in forfeited funds being granted to victims via remission or restoration; and Financial Litigation Programs collected over $1 billion in restitution from criminal defendants for the benefit of victims. This impressive work illustrates how the U.S. Attorney community listens, acts, and advocates on behalf of victims, and should be recognized during NCVRW.
NCVRW began in 1981 to honor victims and survivors of crime, raise awareness of victims’ rights and services and recognize the dedication of those who work with crime victims.
For more ideas on supporting crime victims, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.
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