Crime Victims’ Rights Week

WHEREAS, the prevention of crime and its related problems continue to be a major priority to the State of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, in 2009, at least 318 homicides, 385 kidnappings, 1485 rapes, 6051 robberies and thousands of assaults were committed in the State of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, the trauma and dilemmas faced by victims of crime are significant, and our state must work to ensure the public safety of its citizens; and

WHEREAS, victims are often overlooked by our criminal justice system, yet victims should always be treated with respect and dignity; and

WHEREAS, Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL) was established in 1982 and has since served thousands of crime victims in Alabama; and

WHEREAS, in 1994, more than 80% of Alabama voters approved a Constitutional Amendment guaranteeing victims the right to be notified, present and heard at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings; and

WHEREAS, 2011 marks the 30th Anniversary for the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week declared by President Ronald Reagan:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of April 10 through April 16, 2011, as

Crime Victims’ Rights Week

in the State of Alabama and encourage all citizens to support the rights of victims throughout the state.

 

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 7th day of April 2011.

 

      

Governor Robert Bentley