BATON ROUGE, La (NBC33) — Capping off National Crime Victims Week, area families join together to remember loved ones. The East Baton Rouge District Attorney's office hosted the Crime Victims' Recognition Ceremony this afternoon.

Public officials joined community members to honor the people most affected by crimes. Families lit candles and shared stories to remember.

Public officials say the state has come a long way in protecting victims, but challenges do remain.