[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9418 of April 8, 2016

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the aftermath of a crime, it is imperative that victims have access
to the resources they need to recover and to ensure that justice is
done. During the 35th National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we stand with
victims and their families, and we strive to ensure every person--
regardless of age, color, or creed--who is victimized by crime knows
they are protected, respected, and heard.

Certain populations are more vulnerable to crime, and my Administration
is committed to defending the rights of crime victims everywhere and
safeguarding their access to essential resources and services. Violence
against women, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating
violence, and stalking, is too prevalent in our society, and we will
continue doing everything we can to shine a light on these crimes
wherever they exist, including on our campuses and in our military. We
are taking action to reduce the number of untested rape kits in
America--critical tools that can deliver justice for victims in the wake
of an assault--and the Department of Justice issued new guidance to
prevent gender bias when responding to cases of sexual assault and
domestic violence. Additionally, the My Brother's Keeper initiative is
working to reduce violence and secure second chances for our youth to
ensure all young people--including those from communities
disproportionately affected by violent crime--have the opportunities and
resources they need to reach their full potential.
A victim's immediate interactions after a crime are often with the law
enforcement officials who are the first to respond. In 2014, I created
the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing (Task Force), and in
addition to promoting ways to enhance public safety across America, the
Task Force issued recommendations to strengthen public trust between
local law enforcement and communities, which increases the likelihood
that victims and witnesses will cooperate with law enforcement after a
crime. My Administration will also continue working to support the most
vulnerable among us who are subject to heinous crimes--including
children who are forced into sex trafficking and denied their inherent
human rights, and seniors who, in too many cases, are exposed to abuse,
neglect, and exploitation.
When a crime does occur, we owe it to those who suffer in its aftermath
to uplift them and stand beside them. This week, as we honor those
dedicated to ensuring services and support are available for victims of
crime, let us rededicate ourselves to protecting crime victims' rights
and upholding the basic belief that all people should be able to live
safely and free from fear, violence, and intimidation.
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 10 through April
16, 2016, 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.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA