Aurora Police Honor Survivors During Lantern Ceremony for National Victims’ Rights Week
(April 23, 2026) – The Aurora Police Department and members of the Victim Services Unit hosted a lantern ceremony Wednesday night to honor victims, survivors and families impacted by crime for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
During Wednesday’s ceremony, officers, advocates, volunteers, survivors, family and members of the community came together to decorate lanterns to remember victims of crime. The lanterns were lit and placed on the pond at City Center Park on the City of Aurora campus.
“This is a powerful memorial honoring members of our community and their loved ones impacted by crime,” said Investigations Division Cmdr. Mark Paolino. “The work of our Victim Services Unit is often unseen, but its impact is profound; providing critical support and compassion to those in our community who need it most.”
The Aurora Police Department Victim Services Unit is composed of eight full-time advocates and one part-time advocate. Last year, the Victim Services Unit responded to 1,645 calls for service and manages a caseload of 7,960 cases, which averages to about 884 cases per advocate.
The Victim Services Unit’s mission is to deliver timely and effective crisis intervention by providing victims and their families support and guidance during the criminal investigative process, and by connecting them to community resources in the city of Aurora.
“At its core, our work is about providing emotional support,” said Victim Services Supervisor Kate Robinson. “Victims of crime are often left with uncertainty about the investigative process and concerns for their safety. We serve as their voice, ensuring they and their families are heard, supported and never overlooked.”
Launched in 1981 by the U.S Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week takes place April 19-25 and focuses on confronting and removing barriers to achieve justice for all victims of crime. This year’s theme is: “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095