[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5504]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 507--SUPPORTING THE MISSION AND GOALS OF NATIONAL 
CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK IN ORDER TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE 
 RIGHTS, NEEDS, AND CONCERNS OF VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF CRIME IN THE 
                             UNITED STATES

  Mr. SCHUMER submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 507

       Whereas 23,000,000 Americans are victims of crime each 
     year, and of those, 5,200,000 are victims of violent crime;
       Whereas a just society acknowledges crime's impact on 
     individuals, families, and communities by ensuring that 
     rights, resources, and services are available to help rebuild 
     lives;
       Whereas victims' rights are a critical component of the 
     promise of ``justice for all'', the foundation for our system 
     of justice in the United States;
       Whereas although our Nation 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 we must do better to ensure that services are 
     available for underserved segments of our population, 
     including crime victims with disabilities, victims with 
     mental illness, victims who are teenagers, victims who are 
     elderly, victims in rural areas, and victims in communities 
     of color;
       Whereas observing victims' rights and treating victims with 
     dignity and respect serves the public interest by engaging 
     victims in the justice system, inspiring respect for public 
     authorities, and promoting confidence in public safety;
       Whereas the United States recognizes that we make our 
     homes, neighborhoods, and communities safer and stronger by 
     serving victims of crime and ensuring justice for all;
       Whereas our Nation must strive to protect, expand, and 
     observe crime victims' rights so that there truly is justice 
     for victims and justice for all; and
       Whereas National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 13 
     through April 19, 2008, provides an opportunity for us to 
     strive to reach the goal of justice for all by ensuring that 
     all victims are afforded their legal rights and provided with 
     assistance as they face the financial, physical, and 
     psychological impact of crime: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the mission and goals of National Crime 
     Victims' Rights Week in order to increase public awareness of 
     the impact of crime on victims and survivors of crime, and of 
     the rights and needs of such victims and survivors; and
       (2) requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an 
     enrolled copy of this resolution to the Office for Victims of 
     Crime in the Department of Justice.

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