Nessel marks Crime Victims' Rights Week with observance events, video highlighting victim advocacy

This National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is putting emphasis on the important work being done to protect crime victims and hold their perpetrators accountable at the Department of Attorney General.

“It takes great strength and courage for crime victims to come forward and take part in the process of seeking justice against their perpetrator,” Nessel said. “The Michigan Department of Attorney General is committed to ensuring accountability and advocating on behalf of survivors. I stand with victims this week and every day as an ally.”

This week, Nessel will participate in events to honor crime victims, including a vigil planned at the Capitol Wednesday evening.

In Michigan, a victim is an individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.

The Michigan Constitution and the Crime Victim Rights Act grants crime victims the following rights:

  • Be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy.
  • Be informed of the steps in the criminal justice process.
  • Be notified of all proceedings in the case.
  • Attend all court proceedings.

Since taking office in 2019, Nessel has expanded the Victim Advocate Department from two staff members to eight in an effort to better support crime victims.

Nessel recently published a video highlighting the work of the Department’s investigations involving survivors of abuse.

In February, the Nessel testified before the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety in support of HBs 4798 and 4974 address safety concerns created last year when the Michigan Court of Appeals issued a decision in People of the State of Michigan v. Ricky Dale Jack. The bills are now on the Senate floor.

Nessel also supports HBs 4674 and 4675, which expand access to the crime victims compensation fund and change the access requirements to make it easier for victims to receive compensation. They are also currently on the Senate floor.

Thanks to a $500,000 allocation in the FY'22 budget, the Department is in the beginning stages of implementing the Address Confidentiality Program. It will allow certain crime victims to apply for and receive a designated address to be used in place of their actual address. By law, the Department has two years to fully implement the program. The program is expected to officially launch in the early months of 2023.

Those with questions about the program can email AG-ACP@michigan.gov.