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HRES 1053 IHEH

Whereas 23,000,000 Americans are victims of crime each year, and of those, 5,200,000 are victims of violent crime;

Whereas a just society acknowledges crime's impact on individuals, families, and communities by ensuring that rights, resources, and services are available to help rebuild lives;

Whereas victims' rights are a critical component of the promise of `justice for all,' the foundation for our system of justice in America;

Whereas although our Nation has steadily expanded rights, protections, and services for victims of crime, too many victims are still not able to realize the hope and promise of these gains;

Whereas we must do better to ensure services are available for underserved segments of our population, including crime victims with disabilities, victims with mental illness, victims who are teenagers, victims who are elderly, victims in rural areas, and victims in communities of color;

Whereas observing victims' rights and treating victims with dignity and respect serves the public interest by engaging victims in the justice system, inspiring respect for public authorities, and promoting confidence in public safety;

Whereas America recognizes that we make our homes, neighborhoods, and communities safer and stronger by serving victims of crime and ensuring justice for all;

Whereas our Nation must strive to protect, expand, and observe crime victims' rights so that there truly is justice for victims and justice for all; and

Whereas National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 13, 2008 through April 19, 2008, provides an opportunity for us to strive to reach the goal of justice for all by ensuring that all victims are afforded their legal rights and provided with assistance as they face the financial, physical, and psychological impact of crime: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--

(1) supports the mission and goals of the 2008 National Crime Victims' Rights Week in order to increase public awareness of the impact of crime on victims and survivors of crime, and of the rights and needs of such victims and survivors; and

(2) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the Office for Victims of Crime in the Department of Justice.