[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 17197-17198]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6847]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 5, 2005 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 17197]]

                Proclamation 7877 of March 31, 2005

                
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2005

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In proclaiming the first Victims' Rights Week in 1981, 
                President Reagan said, ``it is time all of us paid 
                greater heed to the plight of victims.'' Since then, 
                America has made great progress in treating crime 
                victims with greater respect, meeting their needs, and 
                providing them with help, hope, and healing. Each year, 
                during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we remember 
                those who have lost their lives in violent crimes. We 
                also renew our commitment to address the needs of 
                victims and their families and to build public 
                awareness of crime victims' rights.

                The violent crime rate is at its lowest point in three 
                decades. We must remain steadfast in our efforts to 
                make America safer for all citizens and fairer for 
                victims of crime. The Department of Justice has 
                received historic levels of funding for programs to 
                protect women and prosecute criminals. Family Justice 
                Centers are helping local communities provide 
                comprehensive services to victims of domestic crime and 
                their loved ones. State and local law enforcement 
                officials are continuing to serve the public and assist 
                victims of crime. I signed into law the Justice for All 
                Act of 2004, which expands DNA testing and enhances the 
                scope and enforceability of crime victims' rights.

                As we work to combat crime and support victims, we must 
                also ensure the fairness and effectiveness of our 
                criminal justice system. All 50 States and the Federal 
                Government have passed important legal protections for 
                victims of violent crime, and more than half the States 
                have amended their constitutions to guarantee rights 
                for victims. My Administration continues to support the 
                bipartisan Crime Victims' Rights Amendment to the 
                Constitution, which would safeguard basic rights for 
                victims regarding their safety, notification of public 
                proceedings involving the crime, and claims of 
                restitution.

                Across our Nation, individuals and organizations--
                including faith-based and community groups--are 
                dedicated to defending and securing the rights of crime 
                victims and providing hope and healing to those who 
                hurt. Together, their commitment and compassion help 
                ensure that our legal system stands up for the rights 
                of victims and that our communities step forward to 
                lend a hand to people in need. During this week, we 
                honor their extraordinary work and renew our pledge to 
                protect the rights of crime victims.

                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 10 through April 16, 
                2005, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I 
                encourage all Americans to highlight and advance the 
                cause of victims' rights in their communities.

[[Page 17198]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand five, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 05-6847
Filed 4-4-05; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P