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Skriven 2005-03-31 23:33:16 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0503316) for Thu, 2005 Mar 31
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National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2005 by the President of the United
States of America a Proclamation
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 31, 2005

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 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.

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

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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

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