[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 77 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 21687-21688]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9208]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 77 / Wednesday, April 21, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 21687]]


                Proclamation 7774 of April 17, 2004

                
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                We have made significant advances in reducing crime in 
                our communities. As we continue to work to prevent 
                crime, we also have a duty to help victims as they cope 
                with the trauma of crimes committed against them. Each 
                year during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we 
                acknowledge the suffering endured by crime victims, and 
                we honor those who bring hope and comfort to victims 
                and their families.

                This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of 
                the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA), landmark 
                legislation that sustains thousands of local victim 
                assistance programs across the country. Established by 
                VOCA, the Crime Victims Fund provides crucial 
                assistance for victims and their families, including 
                counseling, shelter, courtroom advocacy, and help with 
                expenses. In recent years, VOCA has begun addressing 
                issues such as cybercrime, identity theft, hate 
                violence, and stalking. It has also expanded its 
                services to help victims of domestic and international 
                terrorism.

                While our Nation works to prevent terrorist activities, 
                we also continue to wage a war against other crimes. In 
                fighting violent crime, we battle the problems of drug 
                abuse, gun violence, and other threats to our safety. 
                We must ensure that when crimes do occur, we always 
                protect the rights of victims. For this reason, my 
                Administration continues to endorse the bipartisan 
                Crime Victims' Rights Amendment. By allowing victims of 
                violent crime to be present and heard at public 
                proceedings and by giving them access to information, 
                such an amendment would guarantee victims' inclusion in 
                the criminal justice process without threatening the 
                rights of defendants.

                While the Congress considers this amendment, my 
                Administration continues to support important resources 
                for victims and public safety. We have directed funding 
                to improve the use of DNA technology to solve crime and 
                identify missing persons; we are employing multiple 
                agency resources to aid victims of trafficking who are 
                forced into slavery and prostitution; and we are 
                encouraging faith-based organizations to provide 
                spiritual and material sustenance to those who have 
                suffered and lost.

                This month, I was pleased to sign into law the Unborn 
                Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which creates a 
                separate offense under Federal law for death or injury 
                to an unborn child, in addition to any charges relating 
                to the mother. Across our country, victims are being 
                better served and better protected, but more can be 
                done. I encourage every community to show compassion to 
                victims and their families by providing them with the 
                support they need.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through April 24, 
                2004, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I 
                encourage all Americans to embrace the cause of 
                victims' rights and help to advance it throughout our 
                society.

[[Page 21688]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand four, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-9208
Filed 4-20-04;9:44 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P