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Whereas, 21 million Americans suffer the indignity of crime each year and may experience emotional, physical, psychological, and financial harm as a result of such crime; and
Whereas, a just nation acknowledges crime's impact on individuals, families, and communities and ensures that victims are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect as they interact with the criminal justice system; and
Whereas, 25 years ago, the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime drew attention to the poor treatment of victims in the criminal justice system, calling it “indifferent” to victims' needs; and
Whereas, a decades-long struggle to balance the scales of justice resulted in victims' rights laws in every state and more than 32 state constitutional victims' rights amendments that enshrine the ideals of fairness, dignity, and respect for victims of crime; and
Whereas, treating victims with dignity serves the public interest by engaging victims in the justice system, inspiring respect for public authorities and promoting confidence in public safety; and
Whereas, there is more to be done to advance these ideals as too many victims are denied their right to attend trial, present an impact statement at sentencing, or receive notice of the release of an offender; and
Whereas, we must work to ensure fair treatment of crime victims by providing protections for child and sexual assault victims, ordering and enforcing victim restitution from offenders, and notifying victims of their right to compensation and services, thereby giving hope to victims that the system and society will work to restore dignity and respect their needs and rights; and
Whereas, National Crime Victims' Rights Week theme, “Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past,” provides an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the foundation of victims' rights-fairness, dignity, and respect-and to recommit to honoring those values by ensuring that all victims are afforded their legal rights and pro...
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