Central District of Illinois Recognizes Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Welcomes New Facility Dog

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois is recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25, 2026. This year's theme is "Listen. Act. Advocate"-reminding us of our ongoing responsibility to provide the highest level of service to victims in our community. The U.S. Attorney's Office, which serves 46 counties, is proud to join the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and communities throughout the United States in raising awareness of victims' rights and honoring crime victims and their advocates.

The U.S. Attorney's Office works diligently to prosecute crimes and is equally committed to identifying the needs of victims and advocating for the most effective way to meet those needs. As part of this commitment, we have introduced Maisy, the nation's first U.S. Attorney's Office Facility Dog, to enhance the support services available to victims. Maisy works directly with victims coping with trauma, providing support and comfort as they navigate the criminal justice system.

Victims of crime deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. It is essential that we work together to empower survivors. We are grateful for the many law enforcement agencies, social service organizations and community partners who work with us each year to support victims in the Central District of Illinois.

If you would like to learn more about victim services and Maisy, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdil. For more information about the Office for Victims of Crime and National Crime Victims' Rights week you may visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/about.