LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 19-25, 2015, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State
of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Crime
Victims' Rights Week

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 memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 19-25, 2015, 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, 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, 22 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 crimi-
nal, 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 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, 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 cras-
hes; 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
21 initiative, calls for a renewed commitment to serving all victims of
crime in the 21st Century; and
WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25, 2015,
provides an opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity, and commit-
ment that launched the victims' rights movement, inspired its progress,
and continues to advance the cause of justice for crime victims; 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; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 19-25, 2015, as
Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of 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.