LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 22-28, 2012, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that
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 memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 22-28, 2012, as Crime
Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with
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, 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, 18.7 million Americans are directly harmed by crime each
year, and each crime affects many more family members, friends, neigh-
bors, and co-workers; and
WHEREAS, The physical, emotional, and financial impact of crime falls
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 crimi-
nal 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 envi-
sioned 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, 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 cras-
hes; and victims of domestic, dating, and sexual violence and other
crimes; 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, Crime victims' organizations throughout New York State will
conduct programs and hold ceremonies to honor and support crime victims
and their rights, to educate citizens about violence and victimization,
to encourage support for victims' rights and services; and
WHEREAS, Respect and dignity are basic rights of all those who have
been victimized by crime and those responsible must be held accountable
for their actions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 22-28, 2012, as
Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Crime Victims' Rights Week; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.