Sample Proclamation

Whereas, President Ronald W. Reagan first declared “National Crime Victims' Rights Week” in 1981 to focus our Nation's attention on the plight of crime victims; and

Whereas, this Silver Anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week provides a national opportunity to reflect on the devastating impact of crime and terrorism on victims and our entire Nation, and to strengthen our national resolve to ensure that victims' needs are identified and addressed; and

Whereas, since 1981, the crime victim assistance field has expanded from a handful of assistance programs to include over 10,000 community- and justice system-based programs, and in 2005, there are more than 32,000 federal and state statutes that define and protect victims' rights; and

Whereas, America as a Nation, and we as individuals and communities, recognize that justice isn't served until crime victims are, that crime and violence in America affects us all, and that victims' rights are a critical component of “justice for all;” and

Whereas, justice isn't served until all crime victims and those hurt by crime – our mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, neighbors and friends – are provided support and assistance in the aftermath of victimization; and

Whereas, despite impressive accomplishments over the past 25 years in crime victims' rights and services, there remain many challenges to ensure that all crime victims and survivors are treated with dignity and respect, recognized as key participants within our systems of justice, and afforded services that provide help and hope to them; and

Whereas, America as a Nation recognizes that we serve justice by serving victims of crime and that by helping victims and survivors of crime, we help make our homes and neighborhoods, communities and Nation stronger, safer and more secure; and

Whereas, America has joined together annually for the past 25 years to recognize the needs and rights of crime victims and survivors during National Crime Victims' Rights Week each April; therefore, be it

Resolved, that (individual or entity) proclaims the week of April 10 to 16, 2005, to be (City/County/Parish/State) Crime Victims' Rights Week, and honors crime victims and those who serve them during this week and throughout the year; and be it further

Resolved, that as individuals, communities and a Nation, we value justice in America that includes and involves crime victims, and seek to serve justice by serving victims of crime; and be it further

Resolved, that a suitably prepared copy of this proclamation be presented to (your organization) on (date).