[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 59 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


SUPPORTING THE MISSION AND GOALS OF 2010 NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS 
                                  WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1104, 
which supports the mission and goals of 2010 National Crime Victims' 
Rights Week and promotes public awareness of the rights, needs, and 
concerns of victims and survivors of crime. This is an important 
measure that helps to ensure that all victims are treated with dignity, 
fairness, and respect, and that victims have access to the support and 
treatment that they need and deserve.
  I thank Chairman Conyers for his leadership in bringing this bill to 
the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman 
Jim Costa, for his dedication to ensuring that our society is committed 
to the rights and compassionate treatment of crime victims.
  Mr. Speaker, over 25,000,000 individuals are victims of crime every 
year; more than 6,000,000 of them are victims of violent crimes. In my 
district, nearly 7 out of every 1,000 residents of Long Beach, 
California suffered a violent crime in 2008. Over the past 40 years, 
the United States has made significant progress in expanding rights, 
services, and support for crime victims. However, as this resolution 
appropriately acknowledges, there is still work to be done.
  Crime victims in underserved and low-income communities often do not 
have access to the support and services needed to help them move past 
their traumatic event and achieve normalcy in their lives. Access to 
services for crime victims should be available in every community 
across the country. Observing the rights of all victims is not only a 
fundamental requirement of a just society, but also serves the public 
interest by engaging victims in the justice system, inspiring respect 
for public authorities, and promoting confidence in public safety.
  Additionally, every year, thousands of crimes go unreported to law 
enforcement. However, the victims of an unreported crime are no less 
deserving or in need of professional support than those of reported 
crimes. We must ensure that victims off all crimes--reported or 
unreported--have equal access to services. Our communities, 
neighborhoods, and homes are made stronger, safer, and healthier by 
guaranteeing that all crime victims are treated with dignity, respect, 
and fairness.
  Mr. Speaker, victims of crime suffer traumatic experiences that alter 
their lives and those of their family members. A just society 
acknowledges that crime victims have unique needs and provides the 
proper support services. National Crime Victims' Rights Week reminds us 
of this important obligation.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1104.

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