Crime Victims Rights Week
WHEREAS, the preservation of peace in our communities and the protection of all citizens of the Commonwealth from violence are fundamental priorities of government; and
WHEREAS, unfortunately, every year thousands of Virginians suffer the indignity of crime and experience emotional, physical, psychological and financial harm as a result of such criminal activity; and
WHEREAS, victimization occurs among people of all ages and abilities and among all economic, racial, and social backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, victim services programs and public safety organizations throughout Virginia provide vital services to victims, including crisis hotlines, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, intervention and programs for children and teenagers; and
WHEREAS, only a few decades ago crime victims experienced prejudice, disrespect, and blame; and
WHEREAS, in November 1996, the Commonwealth adopted a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights to ensure victims are treated with respect, dignity and fairness at all stages of the criminal justice system; and
WHEREAS, public officials and all citizens of the Commonwealth must continuously strive to improve the services and support for Virginia’s crime victims and survivors; and
WHEREAS, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 18-24, 2010, provides an opportunity to celebrate the decades of progress and hard work as well as renew the commitment to ensuring that all victims have the rights and services they need to recover from crime; and
WHEREAS, victim services providers, criminal justice officials and concerned citizens throughout Virginia are joining forces to raise awareness of victims’ rights and observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize April 18-24, 2010 as CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.