[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