1Recognizing the week of April 21 through 27, 2013, as "Crime
2Victims' Rights Week" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, More than 18 million Americans are victims of crime
4each year; and

5WHEREAS, In addition to the victims, crime affects many more
6people such as victims' families, friends and communities; and

7WHEREAS, Crime exacts an emotional, physical, psychological
8and financial toll on victims due to loss of loved ones,
9financial savings, physical and mental health and a sense of
10security; and

11WHEREAS, More than 30 years of progress for crime victims is
12due to the efforts of dedicated advocates and brave victims who
13overcame shame, isolation and indifference to gain a voice,
14rights and respect; and

15WHEREAS, The progress that our nation has made in recognizing
16crime's impact on victims and the determination of advocates and

1survivors to provide rights and resources for victims is
2commendable; and

3WHEREAS, While victim assistance programs across the country
4are reaching more victims and criminal justice officials are
5honoring victims' rights more consistently, public understanding
6of victims' rights remains minimal and our country's victim
7services system remains fragmented, underfunded and
8uncoordinated; and

9WHEREAS, More work must be done to address the mental health
10impact of crime and to meet the needs of underserved victims,
11such as victims of nonviolent crime and terrorism; and

12WHEREAS, By working together, our country can help victims of
13crime reshape their destinies and ensure that they receive the
14support they need, the respect they deserve and the rights they
15have earned; and

16WHEREAS, In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the
17first "National Crime Victims' Rights Week"; and

18WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week provides an
19opportunity to reshape the future for victims of crime by
20honoring the past and reflecting on their hard-won victories,
21and to recommit to insisting on better treatment for victims in
22order to help them overcome the harm caused by crime; therefore
23be it

24RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the week of April 21
25through 27, 2013, as "Crime Victims' Rights Week" in
26Pennsylvania.