The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee announced on Apr. 20 its participation in National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, joining the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys to highlight support for crime victims.
This annual observance draws attention to the experiences and needs of crime victims, as well as efforts by law enforcement agencies to support them through legal processes and recovery. The theme this year is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protecting victims, serve communities.”
According to a Bureau of Justice Statistics report, there were 6.7 million violent victimizations involving persons age 12 or older across the United States in 2024, including rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault. In fiscal year 2025 nationwide, victim witness professionals with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices contacted victims more than 513,000 times regarding services and court updates; asset forfeiture personnel contributed nearly $331 million in forfeited funds returned to victims; and Financial Litigation Programs collected over $1 billion in restitution from criminal defendants for victims’ benefit.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: “Victims of crime deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, compassion, and sensitivity in the criminal justice system. At the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, we are committed to providing victims with the highest level of support, protection, and assistance during the often difficult and confusing legal court process. Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty and we are honored to participate in the National observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates.” The office employs experienced victim witness professionals who listen to stories from those affected by crime while financial litigation teams work diligently on asset recovery.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee advances community safety through federal law enforcement initiatives as well as public outreach efforts according to its official website. It is one among ninety-three offices under the Department of Justice according to its official website, handling prosecutions of federal crimes along with defending civil matters involving the United States according to its official website. Serving all areas within western Tennessee according to its official website, it operates out of Memphis and Jackson offices according to its official website.
Founded in 1803 according to its official website, this federal prosecutorial entity continues supporting both criminal prosecutions and civil defenses throughout western Tennessee.
More information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ojp.gov/.