Senate Resolution No. 2254

BY: Senator SALAZAR

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 New York State residents; 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 person who is victimized by crime in this country
deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 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, psychological,
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.

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
cybercrime and crime victims who have may have valid reasons to have not
always trusted the criminal legal system, including immigrants, BIPOC
youth, individuals involved in sex work, individuals who are lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning, and individuals who may have
been victims of criminal conduct by law enforcement officers; and

WHEREAS, Important new frameworks and initiatives are being
developed and implemented to ensure the availability of comprehensive,
culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and restorative services and
treatment to help victims begin healing and to assist communities in
maintaining community safety for all, and these new approaches are to be
commended and fully supported; 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, support, 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.