The New York County (Manhattan) District Attorney's Office
04/06/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/06/2025 13:04
D.A. Bragg, D.A. Clark, D.A. Gonzalez, A.G. James And Downstate Coalition For Crime Victims Host 40th Annual Vigil
April 6, 2025
Candlelight Vigil Themed "Kinship, Connection and Healing" Is Part of National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims today hosted the 40thAnnual Crime Victims Candlelight Vigil. The Vigil brings together law enforcement officials, victim advocates, community leaders and community members to commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Reflecting on the theme "Kinship, Connection and Healing," speakers included District Attorneys Bragg, survivors of crime, the families of gun violence victims, and advocates.
"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," said District Attorney Bragg."Every day I am inspired by the persistent advocacy of crime survivors and their supporters working towards a safer city to spare others the trauma of being victimized. We will continue to strengthen community trust in our office to bring cases and keep Manhattan safe."
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clarksaid, "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."
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalezsaid, "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."
New York Attorney General Letitia James said: "Today and every day, we honor the resilience of crime victims and remember the ones we sadly lost to senseless violence. The NYC Crime Victims Candlelight Vigil is an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to advocating for crime victims and I am committed to working with my partners in law enforcement to support survivors of violence and keep our communities safe. I thank my law enforcement partners and community members for all that they do to help crime victims heal."
The Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims' Annual Vigil is a forum for community members to share insights, engage in problem-solving strategies and speak as a united voice on behalf of all victims of crime and violence in New York State. Its mission is to inform and educate members and the public about current developments in legislation; our criminal justice and law enforcement systems; victim service and trauma treatment modalities; and resources which impact on services and justice for victims and the crime victim movement on a local, state and national level.
With over 100 members, including crime victim assistance advocate programs, government agencies, and community-based programs and providers, the Coalition covers the five boroughs of New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland and Westchester counties.
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