[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8365--APR. 24, 2009

Proclamation 8365 of April 24, 2009
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

From violence in our neighborhoods to credit card fraud on the Internet,
Americans fall victim to countless crimes every day. Our Nation has no
higher responsibility than protecting the safety of our families. During
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we honor crime victims by pledging
to fight crime wherever it exists.
This commitment begins by supporting the men and women working every day
to reduce crime and assist crime victims. Often placing themselves in
harm's way and sacrificing personal interests, these individuals are the
backbone of the extensive efforts to protect Americans from crime. They
have demonstrated a commitment to serve others, and their dedication is
vital to implementing a successful strategy for crime reduction and
victim assistance.
Crime victims have benefited from the Victims of Crime Act of 1984
(Public Law 98-473), one of the most significant achievements in crime
victim assistance. This law created an innovative method for using fines
and penalties from Federal criminals to fund services for victims. This
Crime Victims Fund has already helped millions of victims across the
country access basic assistance and financial compensation. This year
marks the 25th anniversary of the bill's bipartisan passage.
An effective approach to fighting crime must include programs that make
sense and work. To that end, my Administration is building on past
achievements to address the range of crimes that Americans may
encounter. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which I signed in
February, helps State and local law enforcement personnel perform
critical work by providing $2 billion through the Edward Byrne Justice
Assistance Grant Program.
A smart crime reduction strategy must also incorporate outreach to those
who have paid their debt to society and have become responsible and
contributing members of their communities. Prisoner reentry programs
have been tested and proven effective. Through a number of supportive
services, including substance abuse and mental health counseling,
prison-to-work incentives, job training, and transitional assistance,
reentry programs help reduce crime recidivism and keep fam-

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ilies safer. By utilizing common-sense and proven methods, we can both
reduce crime and serve crime victims.
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 26 through May
2, 2009, 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
BARACK OBAMA