House Resolution 74

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF APRIL 18 TO APRIL 24, 2004, AS MISSISSIPPI CRIME VICTIMS' WEEK AND HONORING CRIME VICTIMS AND THOSE WHO SERVE THEM.

WHEREAS, we as a nation recognize crime victims' suffering, struggles and loss and value them as our family members and friends, neighbors and coworkers who have been harmed by crime; and

WHEREAS, we as a state acknowledge crime victims, particularly those victims with disabilities who are more vulnerable to repeated victimization; and

WHEREAS, as a state, we also understand the need for specialized training and education in serving this segment of our population; and

WHEREAS, we as individuals and communities value core rights for crime victims that allow them to participate in the justice processes with rights to information, protection, restitution and to be heard; and

WHEREAS, we value the critical assistance and services that provide for crime victims' basic needs, such as fair treatment, dignity, respect and information, and the life essentials, such as safe housing, food, support for their children, transportation, counseling and medical services; and

WHEREAS, we value those among us who work on behalf of crime victims to not only improve rights, services and treatment of victims of crime, but, also, to build a better and more just community and country; and

WHEREAS, we value our right to be free from violence, to be safe in our homes and to live in peace in our communities; and

WHEREAS, America as a nation values liberty and justice for all, including efforts to protect, enhance and expand crime victims' rights and services; and

WHEREAS, America has joined together annually for the past 24 years to recognize the needs and rights of crime victims and survivors; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to value crime victims and survivors, and to value justice in our nation that includes and involves crime victims:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we hereby proclaim the week of April 18 to April 24, 2004, to be Mississippi Crime Victims' Week, and honor crime victims and those who serve them during this week and throughout the year.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Institute for Disability Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi, the Mississippians for Crime Victims' Rights on April 18, 2004, and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.