HR0930 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0930 LRB097 21069 KXB 68413 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Twenty million Americans are victims of crime each year and each crime affects many more, including families, friends, and communities; and

WHEREAS, Crime exacts an emotional, physical, psychological, and financial toll on victims as they have lost loved ones, life savings, physical and mental health, and often their sense of security and has the potential to irrevocably change the course of their lives forever; and

WHEREAS, More than 30 years of progress for crime victims stands on the shoulders of dedicated advocates and brave victims who overcame shame, isolation, and indifference to gain a voice, rights, and respect; and

WHEREAS, We applaud the progress that our nation has made in recognizing crime's impact on victims and celebrate advocates and survivors who through their determination have brought rights and resources for victims and have changed the course of history; and

WHEREAS, Victim assistance programs across the country are reaching more victims and criminal justice officials are honoring victims' rights more consistently, public understanding of victims' rights remains minimal, and our nation's victim services system remains fragmented, underfunded, and uncoordinated; and

WHEREAS, More work remains to be done to address the mental health impact of crime, and to meet the needs of victims of non-violent crime, victims of terrorism, and other underserved victims; and

WHEREAS, History teaches us that, by working together, we can help victims of crime reshape their destinies and ensure that they receive the support they need, the respect they deserve, and the rights they have earned; and

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 22-28, 2012, provides an opportunity to reshape the future for victims by honoring the past and reflecting on hard-won victories, and to recommit to working together to insist on better treatment for victims to help them overcome the harm caused by crime; and

WHEREAS, The Springfield FBI Citizens' Academy Alumni Association, in partnership with Southwind Park and the Springfield Park District, are joining forces with victim service programs, criminal justice officials, and concerned citizens throughout the State of Illinois and America to raise awareness of victims' rights and observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we proclaim the week of April 22-28, 2012, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week, reaffirm the commitment to respect and enforce victims' rights, and address their needs during National Crime Victims' Rights Week and throughout the year; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we 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.