Local lawmakers, district attorneys, police leaders, and victim advocates gathered last week for an emotional and solutions-driven Crime Victims Roundtable hosted by Senator Dean Murray, launching a statewide effort to strengthen protections for crime victims and restore confidence in the justice system.
The forum brought together Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney, Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, Nassau County police and prosecutors, victim-support organizations, and family members directly impacted by violent crime. The goal, Murray said, is to identify systemic gaps, elevate victims’ voices, and develop legislation that ensures fairness, support, and accountability.
The senator said the roundtable was designed to “bring victims and survivors back to the center of the conversation,” particularly after years of policies he believes have sidelined their needs. “New York’s pro-criminal policies have left crime victims—those who have suffered the most—to feel invisible and forgotten,” Murray said. “Their voices must be heard and should guide our work moving forward.”
District Attorney Tierney praised the conference for refocusing the debate on those most affected by crime. “Too often, advocacy groups push legislation to benefit criminals rather than thinking of victims and their families,” Tierney said. “I was honored to participate, and thank you for giving these crime victims a voice.”
Advocates echoed the call for decisive action. Laura Ahearn, executive director of The Crime Victims Center, said the event provided “a vital opportunity to examine where our laws must be strengthened to better protect victims and survivors.” She added, “This commitment to listening, learning, and advancing meaningful reforms reflects true leadership.”
The roundtable is the first in a series planned across the state. Organizers said future sessions will continue to gather testimony from victims, law enforcement, and service providers, with the goal of presenting a unified package of reforms during the upcoming legislative session.