[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7877--MAR. 31, 2005
Proclamation 7877 of March 31, 2005
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In proclaiming the first Victims' Rights Week in 1981, President Reagan
said, ``it is time all of us paid greater heed to the plight of
victims.''; Since then, America has made great progress in treating
crime victims with greater respect, meeting their needs, and providing
them with help, hope, and healing. Each year, during National Crime
Victims' Rights Week, we remember those who have lost their lives in
violent crimes. We also renew our commitment to address the needs of
victims and their families and to build public awareness of crime
victims' rights.
The violent crime rate is at its lowest point in three decades. We must
remain steadfast in our efforts to make America safer for all citizens
and fairer for victims of crime. The Department of Justice has received
historic levels of funding for programs to protect women and prosecute
criminals. Family Justice Centers are helping local communities provide
comprehensive services to victims of domestic crime and their loved
ones. State and local law enforcement officials are continuing to serve
the public and assist victims of crime. I signed into law the Justice
for All Act of 2004, which expands DNA testing and enhances the scope
and enforceability of crime victims' rights.
As we work to combat crime and support victims, we must also ensure the
fairness and effectiveness of our criminal justice system. All 50 States
and the Federal Government have passed important legal protections for
victims of violent crime, and more than half the States have amended
their constitutions to guarantee rights for victims. My Administration
continues to support the bipartisan Crime Victims' Rights Amendment to
the Constitution, which would safeguard basic rights for victims
regarding their safety, notification of public proceedings involving the
crime, and claims of restitution.
Across our Nation, individuals and organizations--including faith-based
and community groups--are dedicated to defending and securing the rights
of crime victims and providing hope and healing to those who hurt.
Together, their commitment and compassion help ensure that our legal
system stands up for the rights of victims and that our communities step
forward to lend a hand to people in need. During this week, we honor
their extraordinary work and renew our pledge to protect the rights of
crime victims.
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 10

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through April 16, 2005, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I
encourage all Americans to highlight and advance the cause of victims'
rights in their communities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH