Every year National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is observed in April. The theme for NCVRW this year is Seek Justice, Ensure Victims’ Rights, and Inspire Hope.

NCVRW was established in 1981 by Ronald Reagan to expand awareness on the rights of victims of crime. 

Every year the Kern County District Attorney’s (KCDA) office holds a march for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year due to the growing pandemic, the march has been put off. 

On Monday, KCDA Cynthia Zimmer explained what NCVRW is and what they are doing to observe this week. 

The District Attorney’s (DA) office posted this message at the start of the week:

“Each year our community comes together during Victims’ Rights Week to make a stand against crime and remember victims and their families. Although we cannot congregate this year, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office will honor victims each day with videos we made that we hope will comfort and inspire all victims and survivors.” 

The DA office will be uploading videos on their Facebook page every day this week in support of Crime Victims’ Week.

Each video posted will consist of important figures of the DA’s office explaining how they support victims of crime. 

On Tuesday, KCDA Homicide Unit Supervisor Eric Smith discussed the dedication of his prosecution work unit for their effort to fight for those affected by a homicide. 

On Wednesday, DA Chief Investigator Lyle Martin discussed the protection of witnesses in court cases and his support of victims of crimes through crime investigation.