Advance For Release at 4 p.m. EDT
Tuesday April 8, 2008
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov

Justice for Victims is Justice for All

Department Brings Attention to Crime Victims
Through April Observances

WASHINGTON (April 8, 2008) /PRNewswire/—During April, the Department of Justice is observing National Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month as a way to bring attention to the needs of child abuse and sexual assault victims. Through its Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which includes the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), the Department funds programs that provide services to these and other crime victims.

In addition, on April 13-19, the Department will join victim advocates and service providers across the country in commemorating National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This year the theme, "Justice for Victims. Justice for All," reflects the importance of respecting victims' rights at every stage of the justice system.

As a prelude to National Crime Victims' Rights Week, the Department will host two events. On Thursday, April 10, Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey, OJP Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey L. Sedgwick, and OVC Director John W. Gillis will participate in a National Observance and Candlelight Ceremony to commemorate crime victims. Dominick Dunne, writer, journalist, and father of murder victim Dominique Dunne, will be a guest speaker at the Candlelight Ceremony. On Friday, April 11, the Attorney General will honor victims, individuals, and organizations for their service to and on behalf of crime victims at the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Awards Ceremony. For more information on National Crime Victims' Rights Week and resources available for victims, please visit www.crimevictims.gov.