[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7774 of April 17, 2004
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

We have made significant advances in reducing crime in our communities.
As we continue to work to prevent crime, we also have a duty to help
victims as they cope with the trauma of crimes committed against them.
Each year during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we acknowledge the
suffering endured by crime victims, and we honor those who bring hope
and comfort to victims and their families.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Victims of
Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA), landmark legislation that sustains thousands
of local victim assistance programs across the country. Established by
VOCA, the Crime Victims Fund provides crucial assistance for victims and
their families, including counseling, shelter, courtroom advocacy, and
help with expenses. In recent years, VOCA has begun

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addressing issues such as cybercrime, identity theft, hate violence, and
stalking. It has also expanded its services to help victims of domestic
and international terrorism.
While our Nation works to prevent terrorist activities, we also continue
to wage a war against other crimes. In fighting violent crime, we battle
the problems of drug abuse, gun violence, and other threats to our
safety. We must ensure that when crimes do occur, we always protect the
rights of victims. For this reason, my Administration continues to
endorse the bipartisan Crime Victims' Rights Amendment. By allowing
victims of violent crime to be present and heard at public proceedings
and by giving them access to information, such an amendment would
guarantee victims' inclusion in the criminal justice process without
threatening the rights of defendants.
While the Congress considers this amendment, my Administration continues
to support important resources for victims and public safety. We have
directed funding to improve the use of DNA technology to solve crime and
identify missing persons; we are employing multiple agency resources to
aid victims of trafficking who are forced into slavery and prostitution;
and we are encouraging faith-based organizations to provide spiritual
and material sustenance to those who have suffered and lost.
This month, I was pleased to sign into law the Unborn Victims of
Violence Act of 2004, which creates a separate offense under Federal law
for death or injury to an unborn child, in addition to any charges
relating to the mother. Across our country, victims are being better
served and better protected, but more can be done. I encourage every
community to show compassion to victims and their families by providing
them with the support they need.
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 18 through April 24,
2004, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I encourage all Americans
to embrace the cause of victims' rights and help to advance it
throughout our society.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7775--APR. 23, 2004