[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 486 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 486

 Supporting the mission and goals of the 2010 National Crime Victims' 
  Rights Week to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and 
  concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States, no 
matter the country of origin or creed of the victim, and to commemorate 
 the National Crime Victims' Rights Week theme referred to as ``Crime 
            Victims' Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect.''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 15, 2010

  Mr. Schumer (for himself and Mr. Sessions) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Supporting the mission and goals of the 2010 National Crime Victims' 
  Rights Week to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and 
  concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States, no 
matter the country of origin or creed of the victim, and to commemorate 
 the National Crime Victims' Rights Week theme referred to as ``Crime 
            Victims' Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect.''.

Whereas more than 25,000,000 individuals in the United States are victims of 
        crime each year, including more than 6,000,000 individuals who are 
        victims of violent crime;
Whereas a just society acknowledges the impact of crime on individuals, 
        families, neighborhoods, and communities by ensuring that rights, 
        resources, and services are available to help rebuild the lives of the 
        victims;
Whereas, although the United States 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 the expanded rights, protections, and 
        services;
Whereas, despite impressive accomplishments realized during the past 40 years in 
        crime victims' rights and services, there remain many challenges to 
        ensuring that all victims are--

    (1) treated with fairness, dignity, and respect;

    (2) offered support and services regardless of whether the victims 
report the crimes committed against them to law enforcement; and

    (3) recognized as key participants in the systems of justice in the 
United States when the crimes are reported;

Whereas the systems of justice in the United States should ensure that services 
        are available for all victims of crime, including victims from 
        underserved communities of the United States;
Whereas observing the rights of victims and treating victims with fairness, 
        dignity, and respect serve the public interest by--

    (1) engaging victims in the justice system;

    (2) inspiring respect for public authorities; and

    (3) promoting confidence in public safety;

Whereas individuals in the United States recognize that homes, neighborhoods, 
        and communities are made safer and stronger by identifying and meeting 
        the needs of crime victims and ensuring justice for all;
Whereas treating victims of crime with fairness, dignity, and respect, as 
        encouraged and expressed through the 2010 National Crime Victims' Rights 
        Week theme referred to as ``Crime Victims' Rights: Fairness. Dignity. 
        Respect.''--

    (1) costs nothing more than taking time to identify the needs and 
concerns of victims; and

    (2) requires effective collaboration among justice systems to meet the 
needs and concerns of victims; and

Whereas the 2010 National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which is observed during 
        the week of April 18 through April 24, 2010, provides an opportunity for 
        the systems of justice in the United States to strive to reach the goal 
        of justice for all by ensuring that victims are afforded legal rights 
        and provided with assistance to face the financial, physical, spiritual, 
        psychological, and social impact of crime: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the mission and goals of the 2010 National 
        Crime Victims' Rights Week to increase public awareness of--
                    (A) the impact on victims and survivors of crime; 
                and
                    (B) the constitutional and statutory rights and 
                needs of victims and survivors of crime; and
            (2) recognizes that fairness, dignity, and respect comprise 
        the very foundation of the manner in which victims and 
        survivors of crime should be treated.
                                 <all>