[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20889-20890]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-9414]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 21, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 20889]]


                Proclamation 8499 of April 16, 2010

                
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Millions of Americans fall prey to criminal behavior 
                every year, and still more suffer the physical, 
                emotional, and psychological pain of past offenses. 
                This week, we renew our commitment to supporting crime 
                victims and preventing crimes that threaten our 
                families and our communities.

                Our Nation's prosperity depends on the safety and 
                security of all Americans. Though crime rates have 
                declined in recent years, crime and its devastating 
                effects still require our constant vigilance and 
                attention. To help protect our citizens and make our 
                neighborhoods safer, last year's landmark American 
                Recovery and Reinvestment Act included funding for 
                crime prevention programs, criminal justice 
                initiatives, and services for victims. Dedicated 
                individuals, organizations, and agencies across our 
                Nation are also aiding this effort, caring for the 
                survivors of crime by providing shelter, counseling, 
                and other types of assistance.

                While any person or community may experience crime, 
                some groups are disproportionately affected. Nearly 
                half of all murder victims are African Americans, and 
                Native American women suffer one of the highest rates 
                of sexual assault of any ethnic group. These 
                disparities are an affront to all Americans, and we 
                must address them with innovative policing strategies 
                and greater community involvement.

                Beyond violent crime and property crime, we must also 
                fight white-collar crime and protect its victims, 
                including those recovering from financial fraud. 
                Through my Administration's Financial Fraud Enforcement 
                Task Force and other initiatives, we are cracking down 
                on mortgage fraud and predatory lending practices. 
                Programs for victims of these crimes can help restore 
                economic security after a family loses its life savings 
                or home due to cruel deception.

                During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we reaffirm 
                our support for victims and survivors of crime, and we 
                recommit to strengthening the Federal, State, and local 
                partnerships that are reducing criminal activity. 
                Together, we will build a safer, more secure America.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through 
                April 24, 2010, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. 
                I call upon all Americans to observe this week with 
                events and activities that raise awareness of victims' 
                rights, and by volunteering to serve their fellow 
                citizens.

[[Page 20890]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-9414
Filed 4-20-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P