National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2016

Proclamation 9418 of April 8, 2016

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the aftermath of a crime, it is imperative that
victims have access to the resources they need to
recover and to ensure that justice is done. During the
35th National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we stand with
victims and their families, and we strive to ensure
every person--regardless of age, color, or creed--who
is victimized by crime knows they are protected,
respected, and heard.

Certain populations are more vulnerable to crime, and
my Administration is committed to defending the rights
of crime victims everywhere and safeguarding their
access to essential resources and services. Violence
against women, including sexual assault, domestic
violence, dating violence, and stalking, is too
prevalent in our society, and we will continue doing
everything we can to shine a light on these crimes
wherever they exist, including on our campuses and in
our military. We are taking action to reduce the number
of untested rape kits in America--critical tools that
can deliver justice for victims in the wake of an
assault--and the Department of Justice issued new
guidance to prevent gender bias when responding to
cases of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Additionally, the My Brother's Keeper initiative is
working to reduce violence and secure second chances
for our youth to ensure all young people--including
those from communities disproportionately affected by
violent crime--have the opportunities and resources
they need to reach their full potential.

A victim's immediate interactions after a crime are
often with the law enforcement officials who are the
first to respond. In 2014, I created the President's
Task Force on 21st Century Policing (Task Force), and
in addition to promoting ways to enhance public safety
across America, the Task Force issued recommendations
to strengthen public trust between local law
enforcement and communities, which increases the
likelihood that victims and witnesses will cooperate
with law enforcement after a crime. My Administration
will also continue working to support the most
vulnerable among us who are subject to heinous crimes--
including children who are forced into sex trafficking
and denied their inherent human rights, and seniors
who, in too many cases, are exposed to abuse, neglect,
and exploitation.

When a crime does occur, we owe it to those who suffer
in its aftermath to uplift them and stand beside them.
This week, as we honor those dedicated to ensuring
services and support are available for victims of
crime, let us rededicate ourselves to protecting crime
victims' rights and upholding the basic belief that all
people should be able to live safely and free from
fear, violence, and intimidation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim April 10 through
April 16, 2016, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
I call upon all Americans to observe this week by
participating in events that raise awareness of
victims' rights and services, and by volunteering to
serve victims in their time of need.

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