[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 

PROCLAMATION 8959--APR. 19, 2013

Proclamation 8959 of April 19, 2013

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Every year, millions of Americans fall victim to crime through no fault
of their own. These are people we know: families trying to rebuild after
financial fraud or identity theft, grandparents spending their golden
years in the shadow of elder abuse, children whose right to safety has
been stolen away by violence or neglect. Many struggle to get help in
the aftermath of a crime, and some never report their crime at all.
During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we reaffirm our solemn
obligation to ensure they get the services they need--from care and
counseling to justice under the law.
Thanks to thousands of victim assistance programs all across our
country, we are making progress toward that goal. As dedicated advocates
continue their important work, my Administration will continue to
support them by raising awareness about victims' rights, making sure
those rights are protected and practiced, and investing in training
programs for law enforcement and other professionals. I was proud to
sign the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act into law last month,
preserving and strengthening critical services for victims of abuse. We
have continued to crack down on financial crimes that leave too many
families struggling to get back on their feet. And we are stepping up
our efforts in the fight against human trafficking, whether it occurs
halfway around the world or right here at home.
Even now, we have more work to do. As an epidemic of gun violence has
swept through places like Newtown, Aurora, Oak Creek, and cities and
towns all across America, our country has come up against the hard
question of whether we are doing enough to protect our children and our
communities. As Americans everywhere have stood up and spoken out for
change, my Administration has responded with reforms that give law
enforcement, schools, mental health professionals, and public health
officials better tools to reduce violent crime. But we cannot solve this
problem alone. That is why I will continue to fight for common-sense
measures that would address the epidemic of gun violence and help keep
our children safe.
By working to prevent crime and extend support to those in need, we keep
faith with our fellow citizens and the basic values that unite us. Let
us renew that common cause this week, and let us rededicate ourselves to
advancing it in the year ahead.
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 21 through April
27, 2013, 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 nineteenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the




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Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA