[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 13 (Monday, April 4, 2005)]
[Pages 539-540]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7877--National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2005

 March 31, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    In proclaiming the first Victims' Rights Week in 1981, President 
Reagan said, ``it is time all of us paid greater heed to the plight of 
victims.'' Since then, America has made great progress in treating crime 
victims with greater respect, meeting their needs, and providing them 
with help, hope, and healing. Each year, during National Crime Victims' 
Rights Week, we remember those who have lost their lives in violent 
crimes. We also renew our commitment to address the needs of victims and 
their families and to build public awareness of crime victims' rights.
    The violent crime rate is at its lowest point in three decades. We 
must remain steadfast in our efforts to make America safer for all 
citizens and fairer for victims of crime. The Department of Justice has 
received historic levels of funding for programs to protect women and 
prosecute criminals. Family Justice Centers are helping local 
communities provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic crime 
and their loved ones. State and local law enforcement officials are 
continuing to serve the public and assist victims of crime. I signed 
into law the Justice for All Act of 2004, which expands DNA testing and 
enhances the scope and enforceability of crime victims' rights.
    As we work to combat crime and support victims, we must also ensure 
the fairness and effectiveness of our criminal justice system. All 50 
States and the Federal Government have passed important legal 
protections for victims of violent crime, and more than half the States 
have amended their constitutions to guarantee rights for victims. My 
Administration continues to support the bipartisan Crime Victims' Rights 
Amendment to the Constitution, which would safeguard basic rights for 
victims regarding their safety, notification of public proceedings 
involving the crime, and claims of restitution.

[[Page 540]]

    Across our Nation, individuals and organizations--including faith-
based and community groups--are dedicated to defending and securing the 
rights of crime victims and providing hope and healing to those who 
hurt. Together, their commitment and compassion help ensure that our 
legal system stands up for the rights of victims and that our 
communities step forward to lend a hand to people in need. During this 
week, we honor their extraordinary work and renew our pledge to protect 
the rights of crime victims.
    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 10 through April 16, 
2005, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I encourage all Americans 
to highlight and advance the cause of victims' rights in their 
communities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first 
day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 4, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
April 5.