Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa join federal, state, and local communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims' Rights Week and celebrating victims' rights, protections, and services.

This year's observance takes place April 19 to 25, 2026, and features the theme "Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities."

As part of this observance, the Southern District of Iowa recognizes the courage and bravery of victims, and the outstanding work of law enforcement, victim advocates, and community service partners throughout Iowa. The Southern District of Iowa would like to specifically recognize two individuals for their outstanding service to crime victims:

Award for Excellence in Victim Services

• Brittany Marshall, Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center (CIAC) of Adel, Iowa, nominated by the Ringold County Attorney's Office.

Law Enforcement Victim Service Award

• Braeden Nielson, Fairfield Police Department, nominated by the Jefferson County Attorney's Office.

"During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we highlight that achieving justice includes honoring the dignity and voices of victims. Our office remains committed to listening, advocating, and ensuring victims' rights are respected at every stage of the process," said United States Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa.

The 2026 Award for Excellence in Victim Services recognizes the performance of Victim Services Coordinator Brittany Marshall. As a member of Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center, Ms. Marshall serves victims across ten counties: Adair, Adams, Clarke, Dallas, Decatur, Guthrie, Madison, Ringgold, Taylor, and Union. Her victim-centered approach is described as widely respected, including a creative and persistent dedication to providing coordinated services in the rural counties she serves. She often provides victims after-hours assistance and consistent support through a variety of investigative steps. Ms. Marshall also provides training to law enforcement and county employees on identifying and assisting crime victims.

The 2026 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award recognizes Fairfield Police Department Officer Braeden Nielsen. Officer Neilsen graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 2023. His work is praised for exhibiting a level of dedication to justice and victim advocacy that far surpasses his tenure in law enforcement and transcendent of the traditional patrol officer responsibilities. Officer Neilsen's work has had tangible impact on the Fairfield community, including accountability in kidnapping, sexual exploitation, and sex offender registry violation investigations.

The Southern District of Iowa would also like to recognize Charlotte Kovacs, who serves as the Supervisory Victim Witness Coordinator, and Katie Blanchard, who serve as a Victim Witness Specialist, for the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa. Together Charlotte and Katie support victims and witnesses of crimes throughout the federal legal process. Charlotte and Katie are committed to ensuring that victims and witnesses are treated with fairness and respect while ensuring their voices are heard in the criminal Justice System.

For more information about Services and Victim Rights, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/victim-witness-assistance.