[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 507 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 507

Supporting the mission and goals of National Crime Victims' Rights week 
    in order to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and 
    concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 9, 2008

 Mr. Schumer submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                     the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Supporting the mission and goals of National Crime Victims' Rights week 
    in order to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and 
    concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States.

Whereas 23,000,000 Americans are victims of crime each year, and of those, 
        5,200,000 are victims of violent crime;
Whereas a just society acknowledges crime's impact on individuals, families, and 
        communities by ensuring that rights, resources, and services are 
        available to help rebuild lives;
Whereas victims' rights are a critical component of the promise of ``justice for 
        all'', the foundation for our system of justice in the United States;
Whereas, although our Nation has steadily expanded rights, protections, and 
        services for victims of crime, too many victims are still not able to 
        realize the hope and promise of these gains;
Whereas we must do better to ensure that services are available for underserved 
        segments of our population, including crime victims with disabilities, 
        victims with mental illness, victims who are teenagers, victims who are 
        elderly, victims in rural areas, and victims in communities of color;
Whereas observing victims' rights and treating victims with dignity and respect 
        serves the public interest by engaging victims in the justice system, 
        inspiring respect for public authorities, and promoting confidence in 
        public safety;
Whereas the United States recognizes that we make our homes, neighborhoods, and 
        communities safer and stronger by serving victims of crime and ensuring 
        justice for all;
Whereas our Nation must strive to protect, expand, and observe crime victims' 
        rights so that there truly is justice for victims and justice for all; 
        and
Whereas National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 13 through April 19, 2008, 
        provides an opportunity for us 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: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the mission and goals of National Crime 
        Victims' Rights Week in order to increase public awareness of 
        the impact of crime on victims and survivors of crime, and of 
        the rights and needs of such victims and survivors; and
            (2) requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an 
        enrolled copy of this resolution to the Office for Victims of 
        Crime in the Department of Justice.
                                 <all>