    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8499--APR. 16, 2010

    Proclamation 8499 of April 16, 2010
    National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Millions of Americans fall prey to criminal behavior every year, and
    still more suffer the physical, emotional, and psychological pain of
    past offenses. This week, we renew our commitment to supporting crime
    victims and preventing crimes that threaten our families and our
    communities.
    Our Nation's prosperity depends on the safety and security of all
    Americans. Though crime rates have declined in recent years, crime and
    its devastating effects still require our constant vigilance and
    attention. To help protect our citizens and make our neighborhoods
    safer,

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    last year's landmark American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included
    funding for crime prevention programs, criminal justice initiatives, and
    services for victims. Dedicated individuals, organizations, and agencies
    across our Nation are also aiding this effort, caring for the survivors
    of crime by providing shelter, counseling, and other types of
    assistance.
    While any person or community may experience crime, some groups are
    disproportionately affected. Nearly half of all murder victims are
    African Americans, and Native American women suffer one of the highest
    rates of sexual assault of any ethnic group. These disparities are an
    affront to all Americans, and we must address them with innovative
    policing strategies and greater community involvement.
    Beyond violent crime and property crime, we must also fight white-collar
    crime and protect its victims, including those recovering from financial
    fraud. Through my Administration's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task
    Force and other initiatives, we are cracking down on mortgage fraud and
    predatory lending practices. Programs for victims of these crimes can
    help restore economic security after a family loses its life savings or
    home due to cruel deception.
    During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we reaffirm our support for
    victims and survivors of crime, and we recommit to strengthening the
    Federal, State, and local partnerships that are reducing criminal
    activity. Together, we will build a safer, more secure America.
    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 18 through April
    24, 2010, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I call upon all
    Americans to observe this week with events and activities that raise
    awareness of victims' rights, and by volunteering to serve their fellow
    citizens.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of
    April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence
    of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
    BARACK OBAMA