Caddo to mark 'National Crime Victims Rights Week'

People who have been victims of crime will have an opportunity to learn what resources are available to help heal and adapt to the acts that have jolted their lives, as Caddo Parish joins the nation in marking National Crime Victims Rights Week, being held this year April 19–25, 2026.

 Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. will speak as part of a number of local officials proclaiming the week with an informative event Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the North Louisiana Crime Lab, 1630 Tulane Ave., Shreveport. 

 Following the opening proclamation at 4 p.m., the public, community leaders and victims and survivors of crime will be able to take part in outreach and learn about resources, services and support from as many as a dozen participating agencies and support providers. Staffers from the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole will be in attendance to answer general questions and to provide inmate information, as well as to register victims for notification of an inmate’s status.  

 This year's events mark the 45th annual observance of this important event, first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 to recognize the impact of crime and honor survivors while promoting victims’ rights and services. The theme this year is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.” It emphasizes community engagement, advocacy and support for victims of crime.

 Aside from the Caddo Parish District Attorney's office, sponsors include the Caddo/Bossier Domestic Violence Task Force and the Louisiana Victim Outreach Program (LAVO) through the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole.                                                      

 Media, crime victims and parish residents seeking more information can contact Leone Fitzgerald, Director of the Caddo Parish District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program, (318) 226-5916, ext. 1, or by email at lfitzgerald@caddoda.com.