New York's legal leaders and advocates gathered to mark 40 years of remembering crime victims and honoring those lost too soon. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and New York Attorney General Letitia James convened along with the Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims for the 40th Annual Crime Victims Candlelight Vigil, according to the Manhattan DA's office. The collective action recognized National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with poignant reflections on the theme "Kinship, Connection and Healing."
The Survivor Services Bureau received high commendation from D.A. Bragg for its unwavering support towards survivors. “I am honored to take part in this vigil to remember loved ones lost to crime and commend the strength of survivors. This year marks 50 years since we launched our Survivor Services Bureau which centers the needs of survivors by providing connections to services that promote healing and safety,” Bragg stated. The vigil, which aims to honor resilience and foster kinship, is a shared platform where law enforcement, surviving victims of crime, their families, and advocates come together, as detailed by the Manhattan DA's office.
D.A. Clark highlighted the importance of vigil and advocacy throughout four decades. “I have been honored that my Office and our crime victims’ advocates and prosecutors have been a part of this beautiful tribute to the survivors of violence and those whose lives were taken. This is the 40th anniversary of the NY Crime Victims Vigil and in addition to this show of support and healing, we are marking four decades of obtaining legislation which directly affects victims of crime, expanding and enhancing trauma services, and empowering survivors through tireless advocacy,” Clark told the Manhattan DA's office.
Describing the vigil's significance and daily efforts in advocacy, D.A. Gonzalez stressed the essential duty to support crime victims with compassion and ensure justice is sought. “NYC Crime Victims Candlelight Vigil is a reminder of what we do every day in Brooklyn: advocate for the rights of victims, support them with empathy and compassion, and seek justice for them and their loved one. Today, we come together to amplify the voices of all crime victims, and I thank the community and our law enforcement colleagues for taking part in this important event,” Gonzalez said, as obtained from the same press release.
Attorney General James emphasized the importance of advocacy and the role of the vigil in recognizing the strength of survivors. She expressed a commitment to honoring the resilience of crime victims and remembering those lost to senseless violence, while pledging ongoing support and safety for communities. The Attorney General extended gratitude to the community and law enforcement for their efforts towards aiding crime victims' healing journeys.
The annual event organized by the Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims provides valuable insights and promotes problem-solving strategies while advocating for all crime and violence victims across New York State. The coalition, with over 100 members, includes assistance programs, government agencies, and service providers from the five boroughs and counties such as Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester.
