Senate Resolution No. 2477

BY: Senator PALUMBO

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
November 20 through December 20, 2022, as National
Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase public awareness of
pressing issues that face citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 20 through
December 20, 2022, as National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness
Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, More than 13,000 homicides each year continue to deprive
families and communities of loved ones; and

WHEREAS, For every 1 homicide victim, there are at least 10
surviving family members, resulting in over 130,000 new survivors of
homicide victims each year; and

WHEREAS, Homicide victims are loved and grieved by mothers, fathers,
sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, partners,
grandparents, aunts, uncles, extended family members, friends,
neighbors, classmates, colleagues, and communities across the country;
and

WHEREAS, Losing a loved one to homicide is one of the most traumatic
events a person can experience; and

WHEREAS, Homicide is the second leading cause of death for teenagers
nationwide; and

WHEREAS, More than half of women who are victims of homicides are
killed because of intimate partner violence; and

WHEREAS, 40 percent of homicides in the United States go unsolved;
and

WHEREAS, Homicide results in short-term and chronic physical and
behavioral health consequences that carry significant behavioral and
economic burdens on families and communities impacted by trauma; and

WHEREAS, All families of homicide victims deserve to be treated with
dignity and compassion; and

WHEREAS, Surviving family members need holistic, coordinated,
compassionate, and consistent support and services in the immediate
aftermath of a homicide and ongoing opportunities for healing in the
months and years afterward; and

WHEREAS, Surviving family members want to remember and honor their
loved one's lives regardless of the circumstances surrounding their
death; and

WHEREAS, Survivors of homicide victims are using their tragedies to
inform, influence, and impact public policy so that all children,
regardless of where they live, can grow up in a safe, peaceful
community; and

WHEREAS, Survivors, advocates, and providers are working to
implement equitable and effective community-based responses to homicide;
and

WHEREAS, The leadership by surviving family and community members is
essential to disrupting cycles of violence and promoting peace in all
communities; and

WHEREAS, Recognition of the needs of survivors can help combat
trauma, foster healing, and inform joy for families and communities
impacted by homicide; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 20 through
December 20, 2022, as National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness
Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.