[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.