HR0217LRB097 11287 KXB 53321 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Twenty million Americans are victims of crime each
3year and each crime affects many more, including families,
4friends, and communities; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Crime exacts an emotional, physical,
6psychological, and financial toll on victims as they have lost
7loved ones, life savings, physical and mental health, and often
8their sense of security and has the potential to irrevocably
9change the course of their lives forever; and
 
10    WHEREAS, More than 30 years of progress for crime victims
11stands on the shoulders of dedicated advocates and brave
12victims who overcame shame, isolation, and indifference to gain
13a voice, rights, and respect; and
 
14    WHEREAS, We applaud the progress that our nation has made
15in recognizing crime's impact on victims and celebrate
16advocates and survivors who through their determination have
17brought rights and resources for victims and have changed the
18course of history; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Victim assistance programs across the country are
20reaching more victims and criminal justice officials are
21honoring victims' rights more consistently, public

 

 

HR0217- 2 -LRB097 11287 KXB 53321 r

1understanding of victims' rights remains minimal, and our
2nation's victim services system remains fragmented,
3underfunded, and uncoordinated; and
 
4    WHEREAS, More work remains to be done to address the mental
5health impact of crime, and to meet the needs of victims of
6non-violent crime, victims of terrorism, and other underserved
7victims; and
 
8    WHEREAS, History teaches us that, by working together, we
9can help victims of crime reshape their destinies and ensure
10that they receive the support they need, the respect they
11deserve, and the rights they have earned; and
 
12    WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 10-16,
132011, provides an opportunity to reshape the future for victims
14by honoring the past and reflecting on hard-won victories, and
15to recommit to working together to insist on better treatment
16for victims to help them overcome the harm caused by crime; and
 
17    WHEREAS, The Springfield FBI Citizens' Academy Alumni
18Association, in partnership with Southwind Park and the
19Springfield Park District, are joining forces with victim
20service programs, criminal justice officials, and concerned
21citizens throughout the State of Illinois and America to raise
22awareness of victims' rights and observe National Crime

 

 

HR0217- 3 -LRB097 11287 KXB 53321 r

1Victims' Rights Week; therefore, be it
 
2    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
3NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
4we proclaim the week of April 10-16, 2011, as National Crime
5Victims' Rights Week And reaffirm the commitment to respect and
6enforce victims' rights and address their needs during National
7Crime Victims' Rights Week and throughout the year; and be it
8further
 
9    RESOLVED, That we express our appreciation for those
10victims and crime survivors who have turned personal tragedy
11into a motivating force to improve our response to victims of
12crime and build a more just community.