[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 14, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 374--SUPPORTING THE MISSION AND GOALS OF 2012 
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

  Mr. WICKER (for himself, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Schumer, and Mr. Grassley) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 374

       Whereas each year, approximately 19,000,000 individuals in 
     the United States are victims of crime, including more than 
     4,000,0000 victims of violent crime;
       Whereas a just society acknowledges the impact of crime on 
     individuals, families, and communities by ensuring that 
     rights, resources, and services are available to help rebuild 
     lives;
       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 these gains;
       Whereas despite impressive accomplishments during the past 
     40 years in the rights of and services available to crime 
     victims, there remain many challenges to ensure that all 
     victims--
       (1) are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect;
       (2) are offered support and services regardless of whether 
     the victims report crimes committed against them; and
       (3) are recognized as key participants within systems of 
     justice in the United States when the victims do report 
     crimes;
       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 the people of the United States recognize that we 
     make our homes, neighborhoods, and communities safer and 
     stronger by serving victims of crime and ensuring justice for 
     all;
       Whereas in each of the last 30 years, communities 
     throughout the United States have joined Congress and the 
     Department of Justice in observing National Crime Victims' 
     Rights Week to celebrate a vision of a comprehensive and just 
     response to all victims of crime;
       Whereas, the theme of 2012 National Crime Victims' Rights 
     Week, celebrated on April 22, 2012, through April 28, 2012, 
     is ``Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim,'' which 
     highlights the importance of ensuring that services are 
     available for all victims of crime; and
       Whereas the people of the United States appreciate the 
     continued importance of promoting victims' rights and 
     honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their 
     behalf: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the mission and goals of 2012 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 
     those victims and survivors; and
       (2) recognizes that fairness, dignity, and respect comprise 
     the very foundation of how victims and survivors of crime 
     should be treated.

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