Presidential Documents

25347 

Federal Register 

Vol. 77, No. 82 

Friday, April 27, 2012 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8804 of April 23, 2012 

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, 2012 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

For more than three decades, advocates from every corner of America have 

worked to reinforce rights, services, and support for victims of crime. Our 

Nation stands stronger for their efforts. Today, thousands of victim assistance 

programs empower survivors with the tools to rebuild their lives. Yet, when 

only about half of all violent crimes are reported to the police and many 

victims struggle to secure the help they need, we know we must do more. 

This week, we rededicate ourselves to securing the full measure of justice 

for every crime victim, resolving disparities in our criminal justice system, 

and preventing crimes before they occur. 

The incidence of crime in the United States is an affront to our national 

conscience and cannot be ignored. Millions of Americans experience violent 

or property crime victimization every year, and still more are impacted 

as they help a loved one in their hour of need. Sadly, children, seniors, 

persons with disabilities, immigrants, and traditionally underserved communities continue to experience disproportionately high rates of victimization. 

Moreover, women suffer the vast majority of intimate partner violence, sexual 

assault, and rape. These outcomes are deplorable, and we must come together 

to build communities where all people have the opportunity to live in 

safety and security. 

My Administration is committed to realizing that vision. With leadership 

from the Department of Justice, we are investing in programs to prevent 

crime, drug abuse, and violence in communities across our Nation. We 

are partnering with organizations and agencies at every level of government 

to develop robust victim services, support law enforcement, and strengthen 

our criminal justice system. We issued a revised definition of rape that 

will shed new light on how often this crime occurs, and we continue 

to combat sexual violence and expand support for survivors. From disrupting 

human trafficking networks, to fighting financial fraud, to empowering the 

millions who are affected by crime every year, my Administration is working 

to bring more Americans the services and protection they deserve. For 

additional information, resources, and assistance, visit 

www.CrimeVictims.gov. 

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we commemorate the efforts 

of all who bring hope to crime victims during their darkest hour. As we 

reflect on the progress we have made toward ensuring fair treatment and 

full support for all crime victims, let us renew that fundamental American 

impulse to stand with those in need. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 22 through 

April 28, 2012, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. I call upon all 

Americans to observe this week by participating in events that raise awareness of victims’ rights and services, and by volunteering to serve victims 

in their time of need. 

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25348 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2012 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third 

day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtysixth. 

[FR Doc. 2012–10401 

Filed 4–26–12; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F2–P 


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