Kentucky marks National Crime Victims Rights Week and points victims to Attorney General's office resources

Kentucky presenters marked National Crime Victims Rights Week with a statewide statement urging support for crime victims, citing state statistics on violence and child abuse and directing victims to the Attorney General’s victim advocacy office for resources.

The announcement, delivered in short segments by multiple presenters, opened with the slogan “Listen. Act. Advocate.” and described the observance as the 45th annual week to honor survivors and promote victims’ rights. “We are prosecutors, law enforcement, advocates, and survivors who are proud to join together for the 45th annual week of raising awareness,” one presenter said.

Speakers cited numerical claims about victimization in the Commonwealth. One presenter said, according to the transcript, that “0.5 of all adults will experience [violence, physical violence, or stalking] in their lifetimes,” and that “15 percent of the incidents reported to law enforcement” were noted; a separate presenter said that between 2018 and 2022 a share of incidents were child abuse and that “90 percent of the time, perpetrators of child [abuse] are known to the family.” The announcement framed those figures as representing neighbors and families whose lives are altered by crime.

The statement also referenced Marcy’s Law, saying it “provides constitutionally protected rights that allow for the meaningful participation of crime victims in the justice system.” Presenters encouraged victims with questions about their rights or available resources to contact the attorney general’s office of victim advocacy. The transcript includes the instruction: “If you are a victim of crime and have questions about victims rights under Marcy’s law, or if you have questions about available resources, contact the attorney general's office of victim's advocacy.”

Presenters also advised victims of unreported crimes to contact law enforcement. “If you are a victim of a crime that has not yet been reported, please contact Kentucky State Police or your local law enforcement,” a presenter said.

The announcement closed with a call to the public to participate in National Crime Victims Rights Week: “We encourage every Kentuckian to join us during National Crime Victims Rights Week as we listen, we act and advocate to support victims and serve our communities.” The release did not include additional program details, dates for events, or contact information beyond the general direction to contact the Attorney General’s victim advocacy office and local law enforcement.