[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 21, 2021)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20617-20618]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08414]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 75 / Wednesday, April 21, 2021 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 20617]]


                Proclamation 10182 of April 16, 2021

                
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2021

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Millions of people in the United States are victims of 
                crime every year. Some endure horrific acts of 
                violence, some have personal possessions damaged or 
                stolen, and others are defrauded or exploited 
                financially. Whatever the crime, many victims lose 
                something that can never be fully recovered: a sense of 
                trust and safety. Yet we find inspiration and hope in 
                their stories of triumph over adversity and resilience 
                in the wake of tragedy. During this 40th National Crime 
                Victims' Rights Week, we support crime victims 
                throughout the United States and the many dedicated 
                people who serve them.

                The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that true 
                justice requires that victims get the support and 
                assistance they need. Today, victims have access to 
                quality services in their communities through the more 
                than 7,000 local programs funded by the Federal Crime 
                Victims Fund, as well as from other sources of Federal 
                funding, including supplemental funding for victim 
                services in the American Rescue Plan. In spite of this 
                network of support, persistent barriers still prevent 
                many victims from obtaining the support and services 
                they need and the justice they deserve. Fewer than half 
                of violent victimizations are reported to police, and 
                research shows that even fewer reports of rapes or 
                sexual assaults are brought to the attention of law 
                enforcement. There are a variety of reasons why many 
                victims of crime are less likely to report a crime, 
                including fear of negative interactions with law 
                enforcement or the criminal justice system, which 
                disproportionately impacts victims from communities of 
                color. Together, we must commit to the accountability 
                and reform necessary to build trust, increase access to 
                services, and improve public safety.

                We must also listen to the voices of those who have 
                experienced gun violence. Gun violence not only impacts 
                its victims, but also their families, friends, 
                colleagues, first responders, and local communities. 
                These brave voices--along with the majority of gun-
                owners who support commonsense measures to keep our 
                communities safe--are speaking up and speaking out for 
                public policy that will put a stop to the violence. My 
                Administration is committed to doing everything we can 
                to end the epidemic of gun violence.

                Supporting crime victims is part of a larger effort to 
                advance equity and fairness in our society. The Office 
                for Victims of Crime at the Department of Justice is 
                investing in efforts to improve access to services and 
                safety for victims and communities that have been 
                historically marginalized and underserved, as well as 
                support community initiatives to prevent violence. My 
                Administration is taking action to address the surge in 
                anti-Asian violence and harassment, including efforts 
                to prevent hate crimes and build trust with law 
                enforcement. My Administration is also working closely 
                with Tribal governments to help victims in American 
                Indian and Alaska Native communities, and supporting 
                community-driven efforts to reach victims of hate 
                crimes.

                Every crime victim deserves justice and the assurance 
                that their safety, wellbeing, and welfare will be 
                protected. We must work together to prevent

[[Page 20618]]

                crimes and ensure that all victims have a place to 
                turn, and the support they need to recover.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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, 2021, 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 need.

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

[FR Doc. 2021-08414
Filed 4-20-21; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F1-P