National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2004

Proclamation 7774 of April 17, 2004

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

We have made significant advances in reducing crime in
our communities. As we continue to work to prevent
crime, we also have a duty to help victims as they cope
with the trauma of crimes committed against them. Each
year during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we
acknowledge the suffering endured by crime victims, and
we honor those who bring hope and comfort to victims
and their families.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of
the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA), landmark
legislation that sustains thousands of local victim
assistance programs across the country. Established by
VOCA, the Crime Victims Fund provides crucial
assistance for victims and their families, including
counseling, shelter, courtroom advocacy, and help with
expenses. In recent years, VOCA has begun addressing
issues such as cybercrime, identity theft, hate
violence, and stalking. It has also expanded its
services to help victims of domestic and international
terrorism.

While our Nation works to prevent terrorist activities,
we also continue to wage a war against other crimes. In
fighting violent crime, we battle the problems of drug
abuse, gun violence, and other threats to our safety.
We must ensure that when crimes do occur, we always
protect the rights of victims. For this reason, my
Administration continues to endorse the bipartisan
Crime Victims' Rights Amendment. By allowing victims of
violent crime to be present and heard at public
proceedings and by giving them access to information,
such an amendment would guarantee victims' inclusion in
the criminal justice process without threatening the
rights of defendants.

While the Congress considers this amendment, my
Administration continues to support important resources
for victims and public safety. We have directed funding
to improve the use of DNA technology to solve crime and
identify missing persons; we are employing multiple
agency resources to aid victims of trafficking who are
forced into slavery and prostitution; and we are
encouraging faith-based organizations to provide
spiritual and material sustenance to those who have
suffered and lost.

This month, I was pleased to sign into law the Unborn
Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which creates a
separate offense under Federal law for death or injury
to an unborn child, in addition to any charges relating
to the mother. Across our country, victims are being
better served and better protected, but more can be
done. I encourage every community to show compassion to
victims and their families by providing them with the
support they need.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through April 24,
2004, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I
encourage all Americans to embrace the cause of
victims' rights and help to advance it throughout our
society.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B