[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK

                                 ______


                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 1996

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, April 21 through April 27 has been 
designated as National Crime Victims Week. I was pleased to participate 
in the commemoration of this important observance yesterday by 
attending a tree planting and memorial ceremony in our Orange County 
Park in Montgomery, NY.
  Too often, victims are forgotten or overlooked by society in its 
efforts to combat violent crime. The search for justice and the 
punishment of criminals frequently takes precedence over compassion and 
support for the victims they violated. Justice, however, includes the 
assistance of victims as well as the punishment of criminals. Promotion 
of victim awareness and the provision of necessary services to those 
caught in crime's way are vital components of our outlook toward crime.
  I thank Dimitrios Lambros and Patty Bodnar of MADD, as well as the 
Orange County Probation Department, for sponsoring yesterday's 
ceremonies. I also commend the Rape Crisis Services, Survivors of 
Homicide Victims, Orange County Safe Homes, Stop DWI, and all the other 
victims' groups who were in attendance. Each of these volunteer 
organizations perform a valuable service by highlighting the plight of 
all those victimized by crime, be it violent or otherwise. Through 
compassionate counseling and sensitive assistance, these nonprofit 
groups help people overcome the trauma and human suffering which often 
result from violent crime.
  This week I salute victims' groups everywhere in their noble efforts 
to provide support and assistance to all victims of crime.

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