J 540: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6-12, 2025, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 540 BY: Senator TEDISCO MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6-12, 2025, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official weeks set aside to increase awareness of serious issues which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body hereby memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6-12, 2025, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week; and WHEREAS, For the past three decades, Americans have joined together to recognize the needs and rights of crime victims and survivors during National Crime Victims' Rights Week; and WHEREAS, Every man, woman and child who is victimized by crime in America deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion; and WHEREAS, 22 million Americans are directly harmed by crime each year, and each crime affects many more family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers; and WHEREAS, Crime can leave a lasting physical, emotional, and financial impact on people of all ages and abilities, and of all economic, racial, and social backgrounds; and WHEREAS, In 1984, the Crime Victims Fund was established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to provide a permanent source of support for crime victim services and compensation through fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders; and WHEREAS, Today, thousands of victim assistance programs provide help and support to child victims of violence and sexual abuse; stalking victims; survivors of homicide victims; victims of drunk-driving crashes; and victims of domestic, dating, and sexual violence and other crimes; and WHEREAS, The victim assistance community faces new challenges to reach and serve all victims, including victims of new crimes like cyber-crime and terrorism and victims who have not always trusted the criminal justice system, including immigrant victims, urban youth, and victims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning; and WHEREAS, Important efforts have been implemented to ensure treatment to help victims begin healing; among the volunteers and professionals who work toward this are law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim service providers, correction officers, parole and probation officers, counselors, physicians, health care professionals, and the many others whose dedication and service to crime victims help lessen trauma and assist in personal recovery; and WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 6-12, 2025, provides an opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity, and commitment that launched the victims' rights movement, inspired its progress, and continues to advance the cause of justice for crime victims; and WHEREAS, Respect and dignity are basic rights of all those who have been victimized by crime; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6-12, 2025, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.