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WHEREAS, everyday across our city and the nation people fall prey to a variety of crimes affecting them in many different ways. The support a victim needs highlighted by the family of Melissa Bowers, after she was killed by her abusive boyfriend in 2012, as families of victims are often left struggling after crimes take place; and,
WHEREAS, established in 1981, ‘National Crime Victims’ Rights Week” was set with the goal to get people to confront and remove barriers to achieve justice for all victims of crimes; and,
WHEREAS, during this week, we work to raise awareness about crime victims; rights and services, while celebrating the accomplishments of crime victims’ rights awareness; and,
WHEREAS, this year’s theme asks all of us “How would you help?” the theme a call to action to create a safe environment for crime victims to share their voices and stories and allow for us to offer support, options for life saving services and ultimately, hope; and,
WHEREAS, one such way to help is by taking the Center for Victims’ “Men’s Challenge Pledge”, which states “I pledge not to participate in, approve of, or remain silent about violence. I pledge to be an active bystander who will speak out about violence against women and girls. I will encourage all men to work together with Center for Victims and use our collective voices and resources to end all forms of violence”; and
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize the week of April 21 through 27, 2024 as “National Crime Victims’ Rights week” in the City of Pittsburgh; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare the week of April 21 through 27, 2024 to be “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week” in the City of Pittsburgh.