[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 71 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 15727-15728]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07758]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 15727]]

                Proclamation 9721 of April 6, 2018

                
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Year after year, millions of violent and property 
                crimes occur in the United States. Each of these crimes 
                has a victim. These victims can be left with serious 
                physical and emotional wounds, and often with long-
                lasting, significant financial challenges. Even when 
                victims receive assistance in the aftermath of these 
                crimes, they may live in perpetual fear for their 
                safety or continue to suffer ongoing financial 
                setbacks. During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 
                we renew our determination to hold criminals 
                accountable for their actions and to reassure all crime 
                victims that they are not alone.

                Across our Nation, thousands of dedicated advocates, 
                healthcare professionals, private citizens, and 
                criminal justice personnel strive to help victims as 
                they move toward recovery and return to their lives. 
                The Department of Justice (DOJ), through its Office for 
                Victims of Crime (OVC), supports thousands of these 
                local victim assistance programs. These programs 
                provide many services, including mental health 
                counseling and real-time crisis assistance, such as 
                temporary housing, transportation, and civil legal 
                assistance. OVC also supports State crime victim 
                compensation programs, which help reimburse victims for 
                medical, mental health, funeral, burial, and other 
                expenses resulting from their experiences as victims of 
                crime. Yet, according to the National Crime 
                Victimization Survey, only 42 percent of the victims of 
                violent crime report the offense to police, and only 12 
                percent of victims of serious violence received 
                services to assist them in the aftermath. Appropriate 
                victim services from trained and qualified providers 
                can transform lives. All those who diligently endeavor 
                to console, heal, and support victims of crime deserve 
                our gratitude and continued support.

                My Administration will continue to take a strong stance 
                against crime in the United States. For example, DOJ's 
                Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative has helped 
                coordinate our efforts with State and local 
                jurisdictions to restore public safety to our 
                communities. In addition, earlier this year, I signed 
                the SAFER Act of 2017, which strengthens and 
                reauthorizes efforts to eliminate the nationwide rape 
                kit backlog. If we can prosecute violent crimes more 
                quickly and efficiently, we can help the victims of 
                crime overcome their experiences and prevent others 
                from suffering in the future.

                This week, we reaffirm our commitment to alleviate the 
                burdens of crime victims, support those who serve these 
                victims, and reduce the number of future victims by 
                assisting law enforcement to keep our communities safe. 
                Together, we can ensure a safe and prosperous future 
                for all Americans.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 8 through 14, 
                2018, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I urge 
                all Americans, families, law enforcement, community and 
                faith-based organizations, and private organizations to 
                work together to support victims of crime and protect 
                their rights.

[[Page 15728]]

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

[FR Doc. 2018-07758
Filed 4-11-18; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P