HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION Crime Victims Rights Week 04/06/2009�zz sfi� a
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NATIONAL CRIME VICTIAW RIGHTS WEEK, APRIL 26—MAA 2, 2009
WHEREAS, more than 33 million Americans are victims of crime each year, suffering
emotional, physical, psychological, and financial harm as a result of crime; and
WHEREAS, victim assistance and compensation programs across the country provide
vital and supportive services for victims that help individuals, families, and communities cope
with the impact of crime; and
WHEREAS, the Victims of Crime Act (VOLA), passed by Congress in 1984, affirmed a
national commitment to helping victims rebuild their lives by establishing the Crime Victims
Fund, a major source of funding for services and compensation to victims of crime throughout
the United States as well as child abuse prosecution. emergency reserve to assist victims of
terrorism, and training and technical assistance for the victim services field; and
WHEREAS, the Fund comprises tines and penalties levied on offenders and affirms the
principle that those who commit crimes should be held accountable for their actions; and
WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 26 — May 2, 2009, provides
an opportunity for our country to recognize the Victims of Crime Act as a major bedrock of
support for victim services and to reaffirm our nation's commitment to addressing the needs of
victims of crime: and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma is joining forces with victim service programs,
criminal justice officials. and concerned citizens throughout Sonoma Cowlly and America to
observe the 25th anniversary of VOLA during National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT 1, Pamela Torliatt, along with the
members of the Petaluma City Council, do hereby proclaim the week of April '6 - May 2, 2009
as National Crime l ictims " Rights Week in the City of Petaluma and reaffirm the commitment
of the City of Petaluma to helping victims of crime rebuild their lives through supportive
services and victim compensation during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, and throughout
the year.