April 14, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT BY GREGORY MILLER, U. S. ATTORNEY, CONCERNING
NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK - APRIL 13-19, 2008
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to build public awareness about challenges crime victims face and to celebrate the hard-won progress in victims’ rights and services. This year’s theme is “Justice for Victims. Justice for ALL.” That means there will be no justice for any of us if we don’t seek greater fairness for victims of crime. It is time for our community to stand behind those harmed by crime.
On April 8, 1981, President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed this time-honored national observance. President Reagan stated, “We need a renewed emphasis on, and an enhanced sensitivity to, the rights of victims.” Twenty-seven years later, we are still honoring his words and working to protect the rights of crime victims.
Justice for victims has progressed dramatically since the 1980's. All states and the federal government have comprehensive victims’ rights law. Important laws, such as the federal “Justice for All Act of 2004,” extend protections to victims and close gaps in victims’ rights.
“Injustice to victims weakens public safety,” said John W. Gillis, Director of the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. “If victims are too discouraged to report crimes or serve as witnesses, our criminal justice system grinds to a halt. Every American has a stake in victims’ rights.”
As we confront ever more complex challenges, we remind the public that victims bear the brunt of crime. Since crime can strike anyone, victims’ rights are everyone’s rights.
Additional information and resources for victims of crime are available on the following websites:
The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) www.ncvc.org
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children www.missingkids.com