[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9721 of April 6, 2018

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Year after year, millions of violent and property crimes occur in the
United States. Each of these crimes has a victim. These victims can be
left with serious physical and emotional wounds, and often with long-
lasting, significant financial challenges. Even when victims receive
assistance in the aftermath of these crimes, they may live in perpetual
fear for their safety or continue to suffer ongoing financial setbacks.
During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we renew our determination
to hold criminals accountable for their actions and to reassure all
crime victims that they are not alone.
Across our Nation, thousands of dedicated advocates, healthcare
professionals, private citizens, and criminal justice personnel strive
to help victims as they move toward recovery and return to their lives.
The Department of Justice (DOJ), through its Office for Victims of Crime
(OVC), supports thousands of these local victim assistance programs.
These programs provide many services, including mental health counseling
and real-time crisis assistance, such as temporary housing,
transportation, and civil legal assistance. OVC also supports State
crime victim compensation programs, which help reimburse victims for
medical, mental health, funeral, burial, and other expenses resulting
from their experiences as victims of crime. Yet, according to the
National Crime Victimization Survey, only 42 percent of the victims of
violent crime report the offense to police, and only 12 percent of
victims of serious violence received services to assist them in the
aftermath. Appropriate victim services from trained and qualified
providers can transform lives. All those who diligently endeavor to
console, heal,

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and support victims of crime deserve our gratitude and continued
support.
My Administration will continue to take a strong stance against crime in
the United States. For example, DOJ's Project Safe Neighborhoods
initiative has helped coordinate our efforts with State and local
jurisdictions to restore public safety to our communities. In addition,
earlier this year, I signed the SAFER Act of 2017, which strengthens and
reauthorizes efforts to eliminate the nationwide rape kit backlog. If we
can prosecute violent crimes more quickly and efficiently, we can help
the victims of crime overcome their experiences and prevent others from
suffering in the future.
This week, we reaffirm our commitment to alleviate the burdens of crime
victims, support those who serve these victims, and reduce the number of
future victims by assisting law enforcement to keep our communities
safe. Together, we can ensure a safe and prosperous future for all
Americans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 8 through 14,
2018, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I urge all Americans,
families, law enforcement, community and faith-based organizations, and
private organizations to work together to support victims of crime and
protect their rights.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of April,
in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
DONALD J. TRUMP