[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 17 (Monday, April 26, 2004)]
[Pages 623-624]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7774--National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2004

 April 17, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    We have made significant advances in reducing crime in our 
communities. As we continue to work to prevent crime, we also have a 
duty to help victims as they cope with the trauma of crimes committed 
against them. Each year during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we 
acknowledge the suffering endured by crime victims, and we honor those 
who bring hope and comfort to victims and their families.
    This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Victims 
of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA), landmark legislation that sustains 
thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country. 
Established by VOCA, the Crime Victims Fund provides crucial assistance 
for victims and their families, including counseling, shelter, courtroom 
advocacy, and help with expenses. In recent years, VOCA has begun 
addressing issues such as cybercrime, identity theft, hate violence, and 
stalking. It has also expanded its services to help victims of domestic 
and international terrorism.
    While our Nation works to prevent terrorist activities, we also 
continue to wage a war against other crimes. In fighting violent crime, 
we battle the problems of drug abuse, gun violence, and other threats to 
our safety. We must ensure that when crimes do occur, we always protect 
the rights of victims. For this reason, my Administration continues to 
endorse the bipartisan Crime Victims' Rights Amendment. By allowing 
victims of violent crime to be present and heard at public proceedings 
and by giving them access to information, such an amendment would 
guarantee victims' inclusion in the criminal justice

[[Page 624]]

process without threatening the rights of defendants.
    While the Congress considers this amendment, my Administration 
continues to support important resources for victims and public safety. 
We have directed funding to improve the use of DNA technology to solve 
crime and identify missing persons; we are employing multiple agency 
resources to aid victims of trafficking who are forced into slavery and 
prostitution; and we are encouraging faith-based organizations to 
provide spiritual and material sustenance to those who have suffered and 
lost.
    This month, I was pleased to sign into law the Unborn Victims of 
Violence Act of 2004, which creates a separate offense under Federal law 
for death or injury to an unborn child, in addition to any charges 
relating to the mother. Across our country, victims are being better 
served and better protected, but more can be done. I encourage every 
community to show compassion to victims and their families by providing 
them with the support they need.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through April 24, 
2004, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I encourage all Americans 
to embrace the cause of victims' rights and help to advance it 
throughout our society.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:44 a.m., April 20, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
21.