Crime Victims’ Rights Week
WHEREAS, Alaska continues to make great strides to ensure crime victims are treated with dignity and respect. The public interest is served when victims are engaged in the justice system, and respect for public authorities and confidence in public safety is promoted; and
WHEREAS, a just society acknowledges the impact of crime on individuals, families, and communities by ensuring that rights, resources, and services are available to help rebuild lives. Victims’ rights are a critical component of the promise of justice for all; and
WHEREAS, crime victims in Alaska have protections and guaranties under the Alaska State Constitution, but we must do better to ensure services are available for underserved segments of our population, and that all Alaska crime victims realize the hope and promise of these gains; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2006 Reported Crime Frequency Alaska Crime Clock, as contained in the Uniform Crime report published by the state of Alaska Department of Public Safety, a violent crime occurs in Alaska every one hour and 57 minutes; a property crime every 22 minutes and 49 seconds; a murder occurs every 10 days, 17 hours, and 38 minutes; a robbery every 14 hours and 52 minutes; and an aggravated assault every two hours and 36 minutes. In addition, Alaska has the highest incidence of reported forcible rapes in the country; and
WHEREAS, Alaska’s homes, neighborhoods, and communities are made safer and stronger by serving victims of crime and ensuring justice for all. The state of Alaska is joining forces with victim service programs, criminal justice officials, and concerned citizens throughout America to raise awareness about victims’ rights;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim
April 26 - May 2, 2009 as:
Crime Victims’ Rights Week
in Alaska, and reaffirm this state’s commitment to strive to reach the goal of justice for all by ensuring that all victims are afforded their legal rights and provided with assistance as they face the financial, physical, and psychological impact of crime; and express our appreciation for those victims and crime survivors who have turned personal tragedy into a motivating force focused on improving our response to victims of crime and build a more just community.
Dated: April 23, 2009