[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 79 (Wednesday, April 24, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 24319-24320]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-09866]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 24, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 24319]]


                Proclamation 8959 of April 19, 2013

                
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every year, millions of Americans fall victim to crime 
                through no fault of their own. These are people we 
                know: families trying to rebuild after financial fraud 
                or identity theft, grandparents spending their golden 
                years in the shadow of elder abuse, children whose 
                right to safety has been stolen away by violence or 
                neglect. Many struggle to get help in the aftermath of 
                a crime, and some never report their crime at all. 
                During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we reaffirm 
                our solemn obligation to ensure they get the services 
                they need--from care and counseling to justice under 
                the law.

                Thanks to thousands of victim assistance programs all 
                across our country, we are making progress toward that 
                goal. As dedicated advocates continue their important 
                work, my Administration will continue to support them 
                by raising awareness about victims' rights, making sure 
                those rights are protected and practiced, and investing 
                in training programs for law enforcement and other 
                professionals. I was proud to sign the Violence Against 
                Women Reauthorization Act into law last month, 
                preserving and strengthening critical services for 
                victims of abuse. We have continued to crack down on 
                financial crimes that leave too many families 
                struggling to get back on their feet. And we are 
                stepping up our efforts in the fight against human 
                trafficking, whether it occurs halfway around the world 
                or right here at home.

                Even now, we have more work to do. As an epidemic of 
                gun violence has swept through places like Newtown, 
                Aurora, Oak Creek, and cities and towns all across 
                America, our country has come up against the hard 
                question of whether we are doing enough to protect our 
                children and our communities. As Americans everywhere 
                have stood up and spoken out for change, my 
                Administration has responded with reforms that give law 
                enforcement, schools, mental health professionals, and 
                public health officials better tools to reduce violent 
                crime. But we cannot solve this problem alone. That is 
                why I will continue to fight for common-sense measures 
                that would address the epidemic of gun violence and 
                help keep our children safe.

                By working to prevent crime and extend support to those 
                in need, we keep faith with our fellow citizens and the 
                basic values that unite us. Let us renew that common 
                cause this week, and let us rededicate ourselves to 
                advancing it in the year ahead.

                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 21 through 
                April 27, 2013, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. 
                I call upon all Americans to observe this week by 
                participating in events that raise awareness of 
                victims' rights and services, and by volunteering to 
                serve victims in their time of need.

[[Page 24320]]

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

[FR Doc. 2013-09866
Filed 4-23-13; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F3