[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK

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                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 26, 2006

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the goals 
and ideals set forth by the 2006 National Crime Victims' Rights Week 
taking place April 23 through April 29. The efforts to raise public 
awareness for--and participation in--the rights and concerns of crime 
victims in the United States is the noteworthy message advocated by 
Victims' Rights Week, whose theme this year is ``Victims' Rights: 
Strength in Unity.''
  Crime is an indiscriminant crisis that impacts all constituencies. 
This week is one in which all people are encouraged to strengthen the 
voice of those victims and survivors of crime through involvement in 
crime prevention, victim assistance, and community safety.
  It is not only through my tenure as a former law enforcement officer 
that I know firsthand the tragedies of crime, but it is also through 
the knowledge and experiences that people have shared with me.
  A member of my staff has been affected by the consequences of crime 
very recently. Her nieces were victims of a domestic dispute that 
escalated into an appalling scenario. The criminal shot both his wife 
and six-year-old daughter in the head before failing in his suicide 
attempt. He was found guilty of attempted capital murder, injury to a 
child, and aggravated assault.
  The long-term repercussions from this horrifying episode will be felt 
by all family members for the rest of their lives. The mother and child 
will live their entire lives with the physical disabilities they 
incurred, as well as the psychological trauma. The daughter suffers 
from seizures, and the mother has lost vision in one eye, which remains 
permanently closed.
  To help families and victims through such difficult moments, I am 
proud to support the observance of Victims' Rights Week, which 
acknowledges crime victims and upholds their rights. The encouragement 
of public participation promoted by the Victims' Rights movement will 
support crime victims and address the impact of crime on communities 
with a single voice.
  I ask the House of Representatives to join me and my fellow Victims' 
Rights Caucus colleagues today in honoring the observance of this noble 
cause--which through its advocacy for victims' justice, increased 
public awareness, and community collaboration has revolutionized 
American criminal jurisprudence.

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