National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19 – April 25, 2026)

BUFFALO - In observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 19 - April 25, 2026), District Attorney Michael J. Keane reminds residents that the District Attorney's Office has a dual focus: the pursuit of justice and providing supportive services to the victims of crime in Erie County.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) raises awareness about issues that impact victims and highlight help available to those who have been directly affected by crime. Since 1981, this annual campaign has been sponsored by The National Center for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and Office of Justice Programs. The Office for Victims of Crime announced this year's theme as "Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities."

"I want the residents of Erie County to know that the District Attorney's Office has a dedicated team of advocates who are available to help you, support you and protect you. I encourage anyone who has been a victim to contact our office for more information on how we can help you heal from the often-traumatic experience of a crime," said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.

The Erie County District Attorney's Office is a leading service provider for crime victims, witnesses and their families. The office's Victim/Witness Services Bureau is comprised of specially-trained advocates who provide support to all crime victims whether they have experienced a low-level offense or a violent crime. Our advocates also receive specialized training to work with children who have additional rights as victims under the law.

The Victim/Witness Services Bureau offers support to individuals who have suffered trauma or loss associated with crime. Our advocates work directly with crime victims to explain their rights and the judicial process. We provide services and supportive options based on the wishes of the victim, which may include accompaniment to court proceedings, counseling, safety planning and other services. Advocates can also provide referrals to outside agencies based on their specific needs.

The Victim/Witness Services Bureau is comprised of ten full-time employees, which is funded through a grant from the New York State Office of Victim Services. Last year, the bureau provided 14,390 total units of service to crime victims in Erie County (excluding domestic violence survivor clients from the City of Buffalo assisted by the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program). In 2025, the bureau assisted more than 1,300 victims of crime, which includes families of homicide victims.

Our advocates can help file eligible claims with the New York State Office of Victim Services, which may provide financial support for costs associated with a crime such as the replacement or repairs of essential personal property, loss of earnings or support, medical bills, counseling, crime scene clean-up and funeral expenses. Our advocates can assist crime victims and the families of homicide victims in filing their contact information with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to be notified of the offender's upcoming parole hearings. Advocates also offer follow-up supportive counseling and case status updates through the post-conviction parole process.

The BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program specializes in helping victims of domestic and intimate partner violence within the City of Buffalo. While these six advocates primarily work with victims who are navigating the criminal justice process following the arrest of the offender, you do not need to have a pending criminal case to access services. Last year, the BE SAFE program provided 22,375 total units of service to clients, including supportive counseling, safety planning, referrals, crisis intervention, transportation, translation services and assistance with eligible claims to the New York State Office of Victim Services.

An experienced victim advocate who serves as the Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE) program coordinator for Erie County is based at the DA's Office. STRIVE is a state funded initiative that equips prosecutors, law enforcement, advocates, probation and partner agencies with training, resources and strategic support to reduce intimate partner violence. The coordinator works alongside the Buffalo Police Department, Erie County Sheriff's Office, Amherst Police Department, Cheektowaga Police Department, Town of Tonawanda Police Department, Erie County Probation Department, Child and Family Services, Erie County Crime Analysis Center and BRAVE Trauma Recovery Center to identify risk of intimate partner homicide and prevent future violence. STRIVE funding also funds two of our victim advocate positions to comprehensively address the needs of victims through evidence-based, survivor-centered and culturally responsive interventions.

Crime victims have a right to be protected from threats, physical injury and other forms of intimidation. In addition to offering advice on how to protect yourself, prosecutors can request an order of protection through the Court. In certain cases, witnesses and victims can obtain assistance to relocate for their safety. Witness intimidation is a crime, and our office may prosecute the offender(s) if you are threatened or harassed.

Our office is committed to educating our community about the impact of crime and the best practices to assist individuals who have suffered trauma, loss or other negative consequences as a result of their experience. The staff of the Victim/Witness Bureau and BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program provide training focused on victim-centered, trauma-informed support to law enforcement and the community.

Clients Served by the Erie County DA's Office

Victim/Witness Services Bureau Client Data (excludes domestic violence survivor clients)

BE SAFE Domestic Violence Client Data (domestic violence survivor clients only)

For more information on the Erie County District Attorney's Office Victim/Witness Services Bureau, call 716-858-4640 or visit www.erie.gov/victimservices.

For more information on the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program and other local programs, call 716-858-4630 or visit www.erie.gov/besafe.