[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 53 (Thursday, April 15, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S2390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 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.''

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

                              S. Res. 486

       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.

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