MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — It’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and this year’s observance recognizes that victims of crime often face the task of reshaping their lives, while authorities pursue offenders.

U.S. Attorney for Minnesota B. Todd Jones says that while the overall violent crime rate has declined nationwide by more than 15 percent since 2000, too many people continue to be victimized.

The government has ways to help crime victims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota has a dedicated victim-witness unit that accompanies victims to court if needed, refers victims to counseling, and helps victims access compensation funds.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also notifies victims of court proceedings, sending out more than 73,000 of these notices in fiscal year 2010. Authorities also help victims recover monetary losses from financial crimes.

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