National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2013

Proclamation 8959 of April 19, 2013

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every year, millions of Americans fall victim to crime
through no fault of their own. These are people we
know: families trying to rebuild after financial fraud
or identity theft, grandparents spending their golden
years in the shadow of elder abuse, children whose
right to safety has been stolen away by violence or
neglect. Many struggle to get help in the aftermath of
a crime, and some never report their crime at all.
During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we reaffirm
our solemn obligation to ensure they get the services
they need--from care and counseling to justice under
the law.

Thanks to thousands of victim assistance programs all
across our country, we are making progress toward that
goal. As dedicated advocates continue their important
work, my Administration will continue to support them
by raising awareness about victims' rights, making sure
those rights are protected and practiced, and investing
in training programs for law enforcement and other
professionals. I was proud to sign the Violence Against
Women Reauthorization Act into law last month,
preserving and strengthening critical services for
victims of abuse. We have continued to crack down on
financial crimes that leave too many families
struggling to get back on their feet. And we are
stepping up our efforts in the fight against human
trafficking, whether it occurs halfway around the world
or right here at home.

Even now, we have more work to do. As an epidemic of
gun violence has swept through places like Newtown,
Aurora, Oak Creek, and cities and towns all across
America, our country has come up against the hard
question of whether we are doing enough to protect our
children and our communities. As Americans everywhere
have stood up and spoken out for change, my
Administration has responded with reforms that give law
enforcement, schools, mental health professionals, and
public health officials better tools to reduce violent
crime. But we cannot solve this problem alone. That is
why I will continue to fight for common-sense measures
that would address the epidemic of gun violence and
help keep our children safe.

By working to prevent crime and extend support to those
in need, we keep faith with our fellow citizens and the
basic values that unite us. Let us renew that common
cause this week, and let us rededicate ourselves to
advancing it in the year ahead.

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 21 through
April 27, 2013, 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
nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.