Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Effective Date: Saturday, April 28th, 2012
WHEREAS, since 1981, citizens across our state and nation have observed National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, to focus attention on the plight of crime victims; and
WHEREAS, 18.7 million Americans are victims of crime each year, and may experience physical, emotional, psychological, and financial harm as a result of such crime; and
WHEREAS, the continued commitment by concerned citizens and leaders in Alaska, in both the public and private sectors, is needed to provide, expand, and coordinate quality services for crime victims and their families; and
WHEREAS, today, thousands of victim assistance programs nationwide provide help and support to child victims of violence and sexual abuse; stalking victims; survivors of homicide victims; victims of drunk-driving crashes; and victims of domestic, dating, and sexual violence, and other crimes; and
WHEREAS, Alaska has made significant progress in affirming and strengthening victims’ rights and services. However, challenges remain to ensure that crime victims and survivors are treated with dignity and respect; and
WHEREAS, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides an opportunity to renew our nation’s commitment to serving all victims of crime in the United States – to help ensure their access to the help they deserve and the rights they are promised.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim April 28 to May 4, 2012 as:
Crime Victims’ Rights Week
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to raise awareness of the guiding principles of victims’ rights – fairness, dignity, and respect – and to honor these values by ensuring that all victims are afforded their legal rights, provided with assistance, and to offer support to help victims heal.
Dated: April 10, 2012
