WHEREAS, millions of people of all ages and from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds are victims of crime each year in America; and
WHEREAS, victims of crime do not always identify themselves, but include our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and community members; and
WHEREAS, our society needs to compassionately and appropriately support victims and survivors of crime while also holding offenders accountable; and
WHEREAS, crime victims deserve support and encouragement as they recover and move forward with their lives. Specialized victim assistance programs provide help and support to victims of all types of crimes including abuse, stalking, family members of homicide, drunk driving, assault victims, and other crimes; and
WHEREAS, we applaud the progress we have made in safeguarding victims’ rights, but we acknowledge more needs to happen to ensure crime victims are treated with dignity and respect and are able to regain their sense of value and security; and
WHEREAS, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides an opportunity to recognize the impact crime has on our communities, and celebrate the survivors and their advocates who fight for services and treatment for victims of crime; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska is turning the corner to a safer tomorrow, marshalling the necessary resources for additional State Troopers, more local control, and more prosecutors. Alaska is making public safety a priority and creating opportunities for justice.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Michael J. Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April 7 – 13, 2019 as:
Crime Victims’ Rights Week
in Alaska, and ask all Alaskans to join in making Alaska the safest state in the country, and do our part to ensure victims of crime are supported, protected, and given proper assistance to heal as they look toward a hopeful future.
