    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 17 (Monday, May 1, 2006)]
    [Pages 759-760]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8006--National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2006

     April 21, 2006

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we underscore our
    commitment to safeguarding the rights of the victims of crime and their
    families, and we honor those who bring them hope and comfort.
        Behind each crime victim there is a story of trauma, a story of
    suffering, and a story of lost security. This year's theme, ``Victims'
    Rights: Strength in Unity,'' emphasizes the importance of joining
    together to support these individuals and to promote victims' rights and
    services. With the help of victim service providers, faith-based and
    community

    [[Page 760]]

    groups, justice professionals, and volunteers, we can work to improve
    the lives of crime victims across our country.
        Violent crime rates have fallen to their lowest levels since the
    1970s, and we must continue our progress in the fight against crime and
    remain dedicated to protecting the rights of crime victims. The Office
    for Victims of Crime at the Department of Justice (DOJ) provides funding
    to States for victim assistance programs and supports training on
    victims' rights for criminal justice professionals. To increase access
    to comprehensive support and services for victims of domestic violence,
    the DOJ awarded more than $20 million to support the creation of 15
    Family Justice Centers across the country. Several of these centers have
    opened and are making a difference in victims' lives. To further ensure
    basic rights for all victims, we must also ratify a Crime Victims'
    Rights Amendment to the Constitution.
        To learn more about victims' rights and how to make a difference,
    visit crimevictims.gov. All Americans share a responsibility to help
    victims of crime, and our Nation will continue to work together to
    achieve justice for victims and build a more hopeful society for all.
         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 23 through April
    29, 2006, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I encourage all
    Americans to promote awareness of victims' rights and advance this
    important cause.
         In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day
    of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
    thirtieth.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:07 a.m., April 24,
    2006]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April
    25. This item was not received in time for publication in the
    appropriate issue.