Farmingdale, NY – April 3, 2017 – The Office of Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance and The Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims today hosted the 32nd Annual Crime Victims Candlelight Vigil. The annual vigil brings together law enforcement officials, victim advocates, community leaders and members to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Reflecting on the theme “Healing, Thriving, Rising,” speakers included Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr., advocate Glenn Martin, and crime survivors expressing their shared mission to end violence and deliver justice for victims.
“This week we honor those who have fallen victim to violent crime. Let us come together to celebrate the strength of survivors and our commitment to keep communities safe,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “For those of us in law enforcement, we also honor those who have been lost by reaffirming our efforts to do everything in our power to ensure public safety in every community.”
“The powerful stories of courage and resilience shared by crime victims at today’s vigil remind us of our ongoing commitment to making our City safer for all New Yorkers,” said Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. “I’m proud to partner with community members, advocates, and others in law enforcement to co-sponsor this important annual event. I look forward to continuing our work together to support survivors and their loved ones as they heal, thrive, and rise.”
“We are proud to partner with law enforcement officials, advocates and community members at our annual NYC Crime Victims’ Ceremony and Candlelight Vigil,” said Susan Xenarios, co-Chair of the Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims. “This is an opportunity for all New Yorkers to share a moving and healing event together as we honor and commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.”
“Victims of crime and abuse can be deeply traumatized by their experiences, but we have a firm and powerful belief that healing is possible.” said Ariel Zwang, CEO of Safe Horizon. “We are humbled to be part of the 32nd Annual Crime Victims Candlelight Vigil to remember those we have lost, uplift survivors’ voices and stand firm in our commitment to support all victims of crime and abuse. When we come together to take a stance against crime and abuse, we come closer to a society free of family and community violence.”
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. Their 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.