NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK
PROCLAMATION
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;
Whereas, this commemorative week celebrates the energy, perseverance and commitment that launched the victims’
rights movement, inspired its progress, and continues to advance the cause of justice for crime victims;
Whereas, crime can leave a lasting impact on any person, regardless of age, national origin, race, creed, religion, gender,
sexual orientation, immigration, or economic status;
Whereas, incorporating communities’ existing experts and trusted sources of support into efforts to fully serve survivors
will develop a criminal justice system response that is truly accessible and appropriate for all victims of crime;
Whereas, with the unwavering support of their communities and victim service providers behind them, survivors will be
empowered to face their grief, loss, fear, anger, and hope without fear of judgment, and will feel understood,
heard, and respected;
Whereas, serving victims and rebuilding their trust restores hope to victims and survivors, as well as supports thriving
communities;
Whereas, engaging a broader array of healthcare providers, community leaders, faith organizations, educators and
businesses can provide new links between victims and services that improve their safety, healing, and access to
justice;
Whereas, honoring the rights of victims, including the rights to be heard and to be treated with fairness, dignity, and
respect, and working to meet their needs rebuilds their trust in the criminal justice and social service systems;
Whereas, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides an opportunity to recommit ensuring that all victims of crime
– especially those who are challenging to reach or serve – are offered culturally and linguistically accessible
and appropriate services in the aftermath of crime; and
Whereas, WILLIAMSON COUNTY is hereby dedicated to strengthening victims and survivors in the aftermath of
crime, building resilience in our communities and our victim responders, and working for a better future for
all victims and survivors.
NOW, THEREFORE, the WILLIAMSON COUNTY TEXAS COMMISSIONERS COURT, does hereby
proclaim the week of April 7-13, 2019, as
CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK