Declare Crime Victims' Rights Week

Senate Resolution No. 1137 BY: Senator AKSHAR LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2-8, 2017, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official weeks set aside to increase awareness of serious issues which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2-8, 2017, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week; and WHEREAS, For the past three decades, Americans have joined together to recognize the needs and rights of crime victims and survivors during National Crime Victims' Rights Week; and WHEREAS, This year's theme, "Strength. Resilience. Justice." will be celebrated at a myriad of events throughout the week including a Remembrance Wall on display at the Oakdale Mall, Mini-Remembrance Walls on display at various Broome County locations, a talk from a survivor entitled "A Tribute of Hope: From Victim to Survivor" at Otsiningo Park, and the Annual Crime Victims' Rights Week Breakfast at The Holiday Inn Arena in Binghamton; and WHEREAS, Every man, woman and child who is victimized by crime in America deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion, and deserves services and support to help them in the aftermath of crime; and WHEREAS, Twenty million Americans are directly harmed by crime each year, and each crime affects many more family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers; and WHEREAS, Crime can leave a lasting physical, emotional, and financial impact on people of all ages and abilities, and of all economic, racial, and social backgrounds; and WHEREAS, In addition to these challenges, crime victims face a criminal, military, and juvenile justice system that, at times, ignores their rights and treats them with disrespect; and WHEREAS, In 1982, the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime envisioned a national commitment to a more equitable and supportive response to victims; and WHEREAS, The nation heeded this call to action and promoted victims' rights initiatives, effective and compassionate victim services, and just compensation and financial support; and WHEREAS, In 1984, the Crime Victims Fund was established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to provide a permanent source of support for crime victim services and compensation through fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders; and WHEREAS, Today, thousands of victim assistance programs provide help and support to child victims of violence and sexual abuse; stalking victims; survivors of homicide victims; victims of drunk-driving crashes; and victims of domestic, dating, and sexual violence and other crimes; and WHEREAS, The victim assistance community faces new challenges to reach and serve all victims, including victims of new crimes like cybercrime and terrorism and victims who have not always trusted the criminal justice system, including immigrant victims, urban youth, and victims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning; and WHEREAS, While New York State has adopted laws to protect the rights of victims of crime and provide them with essential services, it remains the responsibility of all citizens to ensure that these laws are upheld; and WHEREAS, Important efforts have been implemented to ensure treatment to help victims begin healing; among the volunteers and professionals who work toward this are law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim service providers, correction officers, parole and probation officers, counselors, physicians, health care professionals, and the many others whose dedication and service to crime victims help lessen trauma and assist in personal recovery; and WHEREAS, Now is the time to embrace new solutions that involve new partnerships with underserved communities and a greater emphasis on learning what works in meeting victims' needs; and WHEREAS, The United States Department of Justice, through the Vision