New Orleans Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Victims of Crime Act

April 26th marks the beginning of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to focus on victims of crime and celebrate our nation’s progress in serving them. This year’s theme, “25 years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act,” honors a landmark national commitment to victims of crime.

In 1984, congress passed the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which created the Crime Victims Fund, financed not by taxpayers, but by fines and penalties paid by offenders. Today, the fund has grown to more than $2 billion and is disbursed throughout the nation in amounts determined by Congress to assist nearly 4 million crime victims. The funds are distributed to support two types of programs: 1) crime victim compensation programs and 2) victim assistance programs.

The Office of District Attorney Leon A. Cannizzaro, Jr. will launch the New Orleans celebrations with an ecumenical, interfaith tribute to victims of crime on Saturday, April 25, 2009, starting at 10:00 AM at the Jackson Avenue Evangelical Congregation located at 2221 Chippewa Street (corner of Jackson Ave) in New Orleans. Parking is available in the Church parking lot. Refreshments will be served following the service in the Church Recreation Hall.

The celebration, touted as “25 on 25” will include Muslim, Christian and Jewish participation. The interfaith service will consist of prayer, sacred text readings, victim speakers and remembrances of victims. The District Attorney will open the festivities with an address to the participants. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. Press is welcome.

The following Saturday, May 2, 2009, the district Attorney’s Office will partner with The Department of Justice and community based victim assistance providers in sponsoring “25 Years of Rebuilding Lives”. This free event will be held at St. Mary’s Academy, located at 6905 Chef Menteur Hwy. in New Orleans. It will feature food supplied by the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff, music and entertainment for all ages. Some community groups displaying information and resources for victims, will include: The Family Justice Center, The U.S. Postal Service, St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, Louisiana Spirit Hurricane Recovery and Victims and Citizens Against Crime.

At lunchtime, U. S. Attorney, Jim Letten will distribute awards, recognizing victims of violent crime and their surviving families. District Attorney Leon A. Cannizzaro, Jr. and celebrity guests will join Mr. Letten in honoring victims and their families. The public is invited to attend. Press is welcome.