HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation 09- National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 26-May 2 ProclamationCity of Bozeman Proclamation
National Crime Victims' Rights Week
April 26 - May 2, 2009
CELEBRATING THE 25Tt; ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTIMS OF CRIME
ACT
WHEREAS, each year more than 33 million Americans are victims of crime;
WHEREAS, as many crime victims are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system, crime
victims need guidance and support from persons who can explain the court system to crime
victims and from persons who are available to address a victim's questions and concerns;
WHEREAS, victims often suffer emotional, physical,. psychological, or financial harm as a
result of the crime;
WHEREAS,victim assistance and compensation programs across the country provide services
so that crime victims and their families may cope with the impact of crime;
WHEREAS, the Victim of Crime Act (VOCA), passed by Congress `in 1984, affirmed a
national commitment to helping victims rebuild their lives by establishing the Crime Victim
Fund, a major source of funding for services and compensation to victims<of crime throughout
the United States;
WHEREAS, the Fund. comprises fines and. penalties levied on offenders anti affirms the
principle that those who commit crimes should be accountable for their actions;
WHEREAS, the Crime Victim .Fund provides support to states for victim assistance and
victim compensation programs as well as support for crime victims in federal-court, child abuse
prosecution, emergency assistance for. victims of terrorism, and training and technical assistance
for the victims services field;
WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week provides an opportunity for our country to
recognize the Victims of Crime Act as a critically important means of support for victim services
and to reaffirm our commitment to addressing the needs of victims of crime; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bozeman is joining with the Victim Assistance Program, criminal
justice officials and concerned citizens throughout Gallatin County and the United States to
observe the 25t" anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act during National Crime Victims' Rights
Week.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Kaaren Jacobson, Mayor of the City of Bozeman, by the authority
vested in me, do hereby proclaim the week of April 26 to May 2, 2009 as City of Bozeman
Crime Victims' Rights Week.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal
of the City of Bozeman in the State of Montana this
20~' d of April, 2 9.
Kaaren Jacobson, May r, City of Bozeman, Montana