For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 4, 2003
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Crime brings trauma, pain, and insecurity into the lives of too
many Americans each year. As we work to reduce crime and protect the
rights of the accused, we must take equal care to protect the rights of
their victims. During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we remember
those who have suffered as a result of crime and honor those who have
helped these victims.
Americans suffered over 24 million crimes in 2001, 5.7 million of
which involved violence. While we have improved policies and our
justice system has treated victims with greater respect in recent
years, we must continue our work to ensure the full rights of all crime
victims and better protect our citizens. My Administration believes
that victims of violent crime have important rights that deserve
protection in our Constitution, and to guarantee these rights, I
strongly support the passage of the bipartisan Crime Victims' Rights
Amendment. This amendment will provide victims of violent crime the
right to reasonable and timely notice of any public proceedings
involving the crime or release of the perpetrator, and the right to be
heard at public proceedings regarding the criminal's sentence or
potential release. It will also assure that such victims receive
timely notice of any escape of their attacker. Under this amendment,
decision makers will duly consider the victim's safety and payment of
restitution from the offender to the victim. This important amendment
will strike the right balance in protecting individual rights and
ensuring fairness and equity in our criminal justice system.
Across our Nation, victims' rights groups work on behalf of victims
every day. Through care and compassion, these groups and individuals
are bringing hope and comfort to their neighbors in need. Domestic
violence shelters, support groups for families of homicide victims,
rape crisis centers, and other organizations in our cities and
communities offer vital assistance to individuals who have been
affected by crime. In times of such crises, counselors, hotline
operators, clergy, doctors, nurses, law enforcement, and countless
others also help their fellow Americans cope with their pain and
suffering.
As a Nation, we must continue to seek justice on behalf of all
people who have been victimized by crime. The heroes in these efforts
are the individuals and organizations who work to provide valuable
support and assistance to those who have suffered from crime. This
week allows us to recognize these heroes and renew our commitment to
fulfilling the promise of our Nation of justice for all.
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 6 through April
12, 2003, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I encourage every
community to embrace the cause of victims' rights and to advance it in
all sectors of our society.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|