Senate Resolution No. 1137

BY: Senator AKSHAR

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2-8, 2017, 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, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2-8, 2017, 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, This year's theme, "Strength. Resilience. Justice." will be
celebrated at a myriad of events throughout the week including a
Remembrance Wall on display at the Oakdale Mall, Mini-Remembrance Walls
on display at various Broome County locations, a talk from a survivor
entitled "A Tribute of Hope: From Victim to Survivor" at Otsiningo Park,
and the Annual Crime Victims' Rights Week Breakfast at The Holiday Inn
Arena in Binghamton; and

WHEREAS, Every man, woman and child who is victimized by crime in
America deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion, and deserves
services and support to help them in the aftermath of crime; and

WHEREAS, Twenty 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 addition to these challenges, crime victims face a
criminal, military, and juvenile justice system that, at times, ignores
their rights and treats them with disrespect; and

WHEREAS, In 1982, the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime
envisioned a national commitment to a more equitable and supportive
response to victims; and

WHEREAS, The nation heeded this call to action and promoted victims'
rights initiatives, effective and compassionate victim services, and
just compensation and financial support; 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
cybercrime 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, While New York State has adopted laws to protect the rights
of victims of crime and provide them with essential services, it remains
the responsibility of all citizens to ensure that these laws are upheld;
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, Now is the time to embrace new solutions that involve new
partnerships with underserved communities and a greater emphasis on
learning what works in meeting victims' needs; and

WHEREAS, The United States Department of Justice, through the Vision
21 initiative, calls for a renewed commitment to serving all victims of
crime in the 21st Century; and

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 2-8, 2017,
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 and those responsible must be held accountable
for their actions; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2-8, 2017, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.