National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2012

Proclamation 8804 of April 23, 2012

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For more than three decades, advocates from every
corner of America have worked to reinforce rights,
services, and support for victims of crime. Our Nation
stands stronger for their efforts. Today, thousands of
victim assistance programs empower survivors with the
tools to rebuild their lives. Yet, when only about half
of all violent crimes are reported to the police and
many victims struggle to secure the help they need, we
know we must do more. This week, we rededicate
ourselves to securing the full measure of justice for
every crime victim, resolving disparities in our
criminal justice system, and preventing crimes before
they occur.

The incidence of crime in the United States is an
affront to our national conscience and cannot be
ignored. Millions of Americans experience violent or
property crime victimization every year, and still more
are impacted as they help a loved one in their hour of
need. Sadly, children, seniors, persons with
disabilities, immigrants, and traditionally underserved
communities continue to experience disproportionately
high rates of victimization. Moreover, women suffer the
vast majority of intimate partner violence, sexual
assault, and rape. These outcomes are deplorable, and
we must come together to build communities where all
people have the opportunity to live in safety and
security.

My Administration is committed to realizing that
vision. With leadership from the Department of Justice,
we are investing in programs to prevent crime, drug
abuse, and violence in communities across our Nation.
We are partnering with organizations and agencies at
every level of government to develop robust victim
services, support law enforcement, and strengthen our
criminal justice system. We issued a revised definition
of rape that will shed new light on how often this
crime occurs, and we continue to combat sexual violence
and expand support for survivors. From disrupting human
trafficking networks, to fighting financial fraud, to
empowering the millions who are affected by crime every
year, my Administration is working to bring more
Americans the services and protection they deserve. For
additional information, resources, and assistance,
visit www.CrimeVictims.gov.

During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we
commemorate the efforts of all who bring hope to crime
victims during their darkest hour. As we reflect on the
progress we have made toward ensuring fair treatment
and full support for all crime victims, let us renew
that fundamental American impulse to stand with those
in need.

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 22 through
April 28, 2012, 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
twenty-third day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.