Meet the Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office: Questions and Answers with Darci Graham

Meet the Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney's Office:

Questions and Answers with Darci Graham

National Crime Victims' Rights Week 2026

Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect Victims. Serve Communities.

Pictured: Darci Graham, Victim Witness Coordinator

Q: How did you become interested in working with victims of crime?

A: Throughout my career, I've worked closely with individuals impacted by crime, helping them navigate complex legal processes while ensuring they feel supported and informed. I have a background in criminal justice and victim advocacy, with experience in both military and federal systems.

Early in my career as a police officer in the early 2000s, I witnessed a criminal justice system that often did not fully include victims, and many individuals had little to no voice in the courtroom. That experience significantly shaped my perspective and commitment to this work. I later participated in one of the first victim impact panels in Louisiana, which, at the time, focused on rehabilitation efforts as defendants prepared to reenter society.

Those experiences continue to drive my passion for strengthening victim services, ensuring that victims are heard, respected, and meaningfully included throughout the justice process, and building programs that make a lasting difference in people's lives.

Q: What are your responsibilities?

A: As the Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney's Office, I ensure that victims of federal crimes are informed of their rights, supported throughout the criminal justice process, and connected to resources that promote safety, stability, and healing.

My role centers on advocacy, communication, and coordination. I work directly with victims to explain the court process, provide updates on their case, and ensure their voices are heard-particularly through opportunities like victim impact statements. I also help coordinate services such as safety planning, referrals to counseling, and assistance navigating financial or logistical challenges related to the case.

At its core, this work is about making sure victims are not navigating the system alone.

Q: How have you worked with victims in your past roles?

A: My background spans law enforcement, military service, victim advocacy, and systems management. I began my career as a police officer, where I served as both a Rape Crisis Officer and a Domestic Violence Investigating Officer. In those roles, I responded to and investigated sensitive cases, worked directly with victims in crisis, and ensured they were supported while navigating the justice process.

I later transitioned into victim advocacy, where I have worked with victims of violent crime, domestic violence, and sexual assault in both civilian and military settings. I have provided crisis support, helped individuals understand and navigate the legal system, coordinated with prosecutors and investigators, and ensured victims received consistent communication and access to resources throughout their cases. In these moments, I believe an advocate should be calm in the storm-someone who can provide clarity, stability, and support when everything feels overwhelming.

Across all these roles, my focus has remained consistent: supporting individuals during difficult moments, treating them with dignity and respect, and helping them navigate complex systems with clarity and confidence.

Q: What do you believe is the most important aspect of victim services?

A: I believe one of the most important aspects of victim services is ensuring victims can be heard. The victim impact statement is a powerful part of that-it allows individuals to share how the crime affected their lives in their own words. It also helps humanize the crime, giving the Court a fuller understanding of the real impact beyond the facts of the case.

When supported properly, it can help victims reclaim their voice and, for some, be a meaningful step in the healing process. At the same time, it's always a personal choice, and our role is to support and empower victims in whatever they decide.

Q: What support is available for crime victims?

A: There are a wide range of resources available to support crime victims. These include victim advocacy services, counseling, crisis intervention, legal information, and financial assistance in certain cases. At the federal level, victims also have specific rights, including the right to be informed, to be present at proceedings, and to be heard at key stages of the process.

Additionally, national resources such as the Office for Victims of Crime and the National Crime Victim Hotline provide guidance and support to individuals seeking help.

The most important message is that support exists-and no one needs to feel alone in the process.

Q: What message would you like to share during National Crime Victims' Rights Week?

A: This year's theme-Listen. Act. Advocate. -is a reminder that supporting victims requires more than awareness. It requires action, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring that every victim is heard and supported.

Whether you are a professional in the justice system or a member of the community, we all play a role in creating an environment where victims feel safe coming forward and accessing the help they need.

Q: So that victims who work with you get a chance to know you better, what's an interesting fact about you?

A: An interesting fact about me is that I had the opportunity to meet John Walsh and was featured briefly on America's Most Wanted during coverage of the Baton Rouge Serial Killer case. I assisted in a segment focused on teaching women firearm safety and awareness.