Senate Resolution No. 1991

BY: Senator TEDISCO

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 21-27, 2024, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks set aside to increase awareness of serious issues which
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body hereby memorializes
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 21-27, 2024, as Crime Victims'
Rights Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of National Crime Victims' Rights Week; and

WHEREAS, For the past three decades, Americans have joined together
to recognize the needs and rights of crime victims and survivors during
National Crime Victims' Rights Week; and

WHEREAS, Every man, woman and child who is victimized by crime in
America deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion; and

WHEREAS, 22 million Americans are directly harmed by crime each
year, and each crime affects many more family members, friends,
neighbors, and co-workers; and

WHEREAS, Crime can leave a lasting physical, emotional, and
financial impact on people of all ages and abilities, and of all
economic, racial, and social backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, the Crime Victims Fund was established by the
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to provide a permanent source of support for
crime victim services and compensation through fines and penalties paid
by convicted federal offenders; and

WHEREAS, Today, thousands of victim assistance programs provide help
and support to child victims of violence and sexual abuse; stalking
victims; survivors of homicide victims; victims of drunk-driving
crashes; and victims of domestic, dating, and sexual violence and other
crimes; and

WHEREAS, The victim assistance community faces new challenges to
reach and serve all victims, including victims of new crimes like cyber
crime and terrorism and victims who have not always trusted the criminal
justice system, including immigrant victims, urban youth, and victims
who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning; and

WHEREAS, Important efforts have been implemented to ensure treatment
to help victims begin healing; among the volunteers and professionals
who work toward this are law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim
service providers, correction officers, parole and probation officers,
counselors, physicians, health care professionals, and the many others
whose dedication and service to crime victims help lessen trauma and
assist in personal recovery; and


WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 21-27, 2024,
provides an opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity, and
commitment that launched the victims' rights movement, inspired its
progress, and continues to advance the cause of justice for crime
victims; and

WHEREAS, Respect and dignity are basic rights of all those who have
been victimized by crime; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 21-27, 2024, as
Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.