[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 10010 of April 17, 2020
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2020
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime
Victims' Rights Week to acknowledge the abuse and trauma that victims of
crimes often experience, and to recognize the tireless work of dedicated
advocates who have taken up the cause of supporting crime victims across
our country. Thanks to the efforts of these individuals, more victims
are receiving the care they deserve and accessing tools to empower them
as they recover. This week, we express our appreciation for those who
support crime victims, and we reaffirm our strong commitment to reducing
the trauma of crime for victims and their loved ones.

My Administration remains focused on helping victims of crime recover
from and overcome the physical, emotional, and financial suffering they
have endured. As one of my first acts as President, I established the
Victims of Immigrant Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office within the
Department of Homeland Security to serve the needs of Angel Families who
suffered as a result of crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
Additionally, for Fiscal Year 2018 alone, the Department of Justice's
Office for Victims of Crime awarded more than $2.3 billion in grants for
victim assistance and compensation programs. These dollars financed
services for more than 6 million victims, provided millions in
compensation, and did not cost taxpayers a dime. It all came from the
fines and penalties paid by convicted Federal offenders. As part of our
support for crime victims, we are also providing significant funding to
operate local domestic violence shelters, elder abuse programs, child
advocacy centers, rape crisis centers, homicide support groups, and
other victim assistance programs across the United States. Through
programs like these, victims of crimes are better able to begin the
healing process and work to rebuild their lives.
Our Nation's law enforcement officers also provide critical support to
crime victims. These brave men and women serve as the first line of
response for many victims of crime, and my Administration remains
committed to empowering them as they fulfill this and all of their
duties to their communities. To further enhance public safety and the
oversight of justice, my Administration established the Presidential
Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. This
commission, the first of its kind in more than 50 years, is set up to
study the biggest threats to law and order and help our law enforcement
officers increase the safety of our Nation. By providing more resources
to first responders to carry out their mission, we are more effectively
assisting crime victims and empowering law enforcement to prevent crimes
before they occur.


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This week, we are reminded that in many cases crime victims experience
long-lasting trauma and need assistance. We must continue to champion
efforts to expand their access to quality services and to fight
alongside them to secure the justice they deserve. My Administration
will never stop working to achieve this goal, and we will always strive
toward a better future for all Americans free from crime.
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 19 through April
25, 2020, 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 seventeenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
fourth.
DONALD J. TRUMP