Crime Victims' Rights Week Proclamation

RESOLUTION NO._____-14

Crime Victims’ Rights Week Proclamation

Whereas, Americans are victims of more than 22 million crimes each year, and these crimes also affect family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers;

 Whereas, crime can leave a lasting physical, emotional, or financial impact on people of all ages and abilities, and of all economic, racial, and social backgrounds;

Whereas, in addition to these challenges, crime victims face a criminal justice system that, at times, ignores their rights and treats them with disrespect;

Whereas, in 1984, the Crime Victims Fund was established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to provide a permanent source of support for crime victim services and compensation through fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders;

 Whereas, the Crime Victims fund today supports thousands of victim assistance programs who provide help and support to child victims of violence and sexual abuse; stalking victims; survivors of homicide victims; victims of drunk-driving crashes; and victims of domestic, dating, and sexual violence and other crimes;

Whereas, by ensuring that federal offender criminal fines and penalties are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund, Congress affirmed that those who commit crimes should be held accountable for the impact of their actions;

 Whereas, the victim assistance community faces new challenges to reach and serve all victims, including victims of newly recognized crimes, such as domestic minor sex trafficking and cybercrime, and victims who have not always trusted the criminal justice system, including immigrant victims, urban youth, and victims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender;

 Whereas, now is the time to embrace new emphasis on learning what works in reaching underserved victims and meeting victims’ needs;

 Whereas, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 6-12, 2014, provides an opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity, and commitment that launched the victims’ rights movement, inspired its progress, and continues to advance the cause of justice for crime victims;

 Whereas, The Sauk County District Attorney’s Office – Victim Witness Unit is joining forces with victim service providers, criminal justice agencies, and concerned citizens throughout  Sauk County. Wisconsin and America to raise awareness of victims’ rights and observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week:

RESOLUTION NO._____-14, Crime Victims’ Rights Week Proclamation

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NOW THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED, that the Sauk County Board of Supervisors do hereby proclaim the week of April 6-12, 2014, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and reaffirm Sauk County’s commitment to respect and enforce victims’ rights and address their needs during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and throughout the upcoming year; and

express our appreciation for those victims and crime survivors who have turned personal tragedy into a motivating force to improve our response to victims of crime and build a more just community.

For consideration by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors on March 18, 2014

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

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Donald C. Stevens, Chairperson                                 Peter Tollaksen, Vice-Chairperson

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Fredrick J. Halfen, Secretary                                      George F. Johnson

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Don Nobbs

Fiscal Note:  No fiscal impact                                                

Information Systems Note:  No MIS impact