NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman is joining other law enforcement officials, victims’ rights advocates, as well as crime victims and survivors for a candlelight vigil and balloon release, a featured event of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week this week.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 24-30) is set aside to raise awareness about crime victims and the community resources available to assist them.
With funding from the state, OPSO’s Crime Victims Reparations Unit helps victims and survivors cover a range of expenses including lost wages, medical expenses, funeral expenses and more. In 2021, the reparations unit awarded more than $900,000 to nearly 800 crime victims and survivors, including many who will attend the candlelight vigil and balloon release. At Friday’s event, advocates will read the names of 2021 homicide victims. Sheriff Gusman will deliver remarks prior to the balloon release.
Other participating agencies in National Crime Victims’ Rights Week are the New Orleans Police Department, Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Department of Justice, Family Justice Center, Silence is Violence and Crimestoppers. For a complete schedule of local events, visit https://www.crimesurvivorsnola.org/ncvrw2022
