WASHINGTON – Thousands of crime victims and their families took to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, demanding that lawmakers focus more on the impact violent crime has on victims and their communities.
The march, organized by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ), brought together over 3,000 people from 30 states for the first-ever Crime Survivors Speak March.
Participants say they are frustrated by the lack of attention given to the toll crime takes on victims and their families.
Lanaisha Edwards, who lost two brothers to violence, said, “Unfortunately, this is happening a lot to Black and brown people. We want to support our communities, and we don’t like the trouble that’s plaguing them.”
The event started at Union Square with a march that led to a rally at the Capitol, where victims and advocates spoke about their experiences.
Shanta Scott, a mother whose son was murdered, explained why she continues to fight for change.
“The reason why I push forward to …