National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2008

Proclamation 8237 of April 11, 2008

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Crime Victims' Rights Week we highlight
our dedication to protecting and strengthening the
rights of crime victims and their families.

My Administration is committed to providing services
and resources for victims of crime so that they can
find justice, hope, and healing in their lives. To
assist victims of domestic violence and their children,
my Family Justice Center Initiative established
comprehensive support centers in communities across the
country. Through the Justice for All Act of 2004, we
expanded DNA testing and enhanced the scope and
enforceability of crime victims' rights. In 2006, I
signed into law the Adam Walsh Child Protection and
Safety Act to expand the National Sex Offender
Registry, increase Federal penalties for crimes against
children, and protect our children while on the
Internet. I also support a Crime Victims' Rights
Amendment to the Constitution. Through these and other
efforts, we can better protect our citizens and our
communities.

During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we
recognize the advocates, counselors, and others who
assist victims in their time of need, and the law
enforcement personnel who work to bring offenders to
justice. To learn more about victims' rights, Americans
can visit www.crimevictims.gov. By working together, we
can help protect crime victims and build a society that
respects the life and value of every person.

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 13 through April 19,
2008, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I
encourage all Americans to promote awareness of
victims' rights and advance this important cause.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eleventh day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.