Presidential Documents

19371 

Federal Register 

Vol. 74, No. 81 

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8365 of April 24, 2009 

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, 2009 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

From violence in our neighborhoods to credit card fraud on the Internet, 

Americans fall victim to countless crimes every day. Our Nation has no 

higher responsibility than protecting the safety of our families. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we honor crime victims by pledging 

to fight crime wherever it exists. 

This commitment begins by supporting the men and women working every 

day to reduce crime and assist crime victims. Often placing themselves 

in harm’s way and sacrificing personal interests, these individuals are the 

backbone of the extensive efforts to protect Americans from crime. They 

have demonstrated a commitment to serve others, and their dedication is 

vital to implementing a successful strategy for crime reduction and victim 

assistance. 

Crime victims have benefited from the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (Public 

Law 98–473), one of the most significant achievements in crime victim 

assistance. This law created an innovative method for using fines and penalties from Federal criminals to fund services for victims. This Crime Victims 

Fund has already helped millions of victims across the country access basic 

assistance and financial compensation. This year marks the 25th anniversary 

of the bill’s bipartisan passage. 

An effective approach to fighting crime must include programs that make 

sense and work. To that end, my Administration is building on past achievements to address the range of crimes that Americans may encounter. The 

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which I signed in February, 

helps State and local law enforcement personnel perform critical work by 

providing $2 billion through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant 

Program. 

A smart crime reduction strategy must also incorporate outreach to those 

who have paid their debt to society and have become responsible and 

contributing members of their communities. Prisoner reentry programs have 

been tested and proven effective. Through a number of supportive services, 

including substance abuse and mental health counseling, prison-to-work 

incentives, job training, and transitional assistance, reentry programs help 

reduce crime recidivism and keep families safer. By utilizing common-sense 

and proven methods, we can both reduce crime and serve crime victims. 

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 26 through 

May 2, 2009, 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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19372 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 29, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

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

day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. 

[FR Doc. E9–9987 

Filed 4–28–09; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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