National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2021

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 21, 2021)]

[Presidential Documents]

[Pages 20617-20618]

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[FR Doc No: 2021-08414]

Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 75 / Wednesday, April 21, 2021 /

Presidential Documents

[[Page 20617]]

Proclamation 10182 of April 16, 2021

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2021

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Millions of people in the United States are victims of

crime every year. Some endure horrific acts of

violence, some have personal possessions damaged or

stolen, and others are defrauded or exploited

financially. Whatever the crime, many victims lose

something that can never be fully recovered: a sense of

trust and safety. Yet we find inspiration and hope in

their stories of triumph over adversity and resilience

in the wake of tragedy. During this 40th National Crime

Victims' Rights Week, we support crime victims

throughout the United States and the many dedicated

people who serve them.

The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that true

justice requires that victims get the support and

assistance they need. Today, victims have access to

quality services in their communities through the more

than 7,000 local programs funded by the Federal Crime

Victims Fund, as well as from other sources of Federal

funding, including supplemental funding for victim

services in the American Rescue Plan

assistance they need. Today, victims have access to

quality services in their communities through the more

than 7,000 local programs funded by the Federal Crime

Victims Fund, as well as from other sources of Federal

funding, including supplemental funding for victim

services in the American Rescue Plan. In spite of this

network of support, persistent barriers still prevent

many victims from obtaining the support and services

they need and the justice they deserve. Fewer than half

of violent victimizations are reported to police, and

research shows that even fewer reports of rapes or

sexual assaults are brought to the attention of law

enforcement. There are a variety of reasons why many

victims of crime are less likely to report a crime,

including fear of negative interactions with law

enforcement or the criminal justice system, which

disproportionately impacts victims from communities of

color. Together, we must commit to the accountability

and reform necessary to build trust, increase access to

services, and improve public safety.

We must also listen to the voices of those who have

experienced gun violence. Gun violence not only impacts

its victims, but also their families, friends,

colleagues, first responders, and local communities.

These brave voices--along with the majority of gun-

owners who support commonsense measures to keep our

communities safe--are speaking up and speaking out for

public policy that will put a stop to the violence

its victims, but also their families, friends,

colleagues, first responders, and local communities.

These brave voices--along with the majority of gun-

owners who support commonsense measures to keep our

communities safe--are speaking up and speaking out for

public policy that will put a stop to the violence. My

Administration is committed to doing everything we can

to end the epidemic of gun violence.

Supporting crime victims is part of a larger effort to

advance equity and fairness in our society. The Office

for Victims of Crime at the Department of Justice is

investing in efforts to improve access to services and

safety for victims and communities that have been

historically marginalized and underserved, as well as

support community initiatives to prevent violence. My

Administration is taking action to address the surge in

anti-Asian violence and harassment, including efforts

to prevent hate crimes and build trust with law

enforcement. My Administration is also working closely

with Tribal governments to help victims in American

Indian and Alaska Native communities, and supporting

community-driven efforts to reach victims of hate

crimes.

Every crime victim deserves justice and the assurance

that their safety, wellbeing, and welfare will be

protected. We must work together to prevent

[[Page 20618]]

crimes and ensure that all victims have a place to

turn, and the support they need to recover.

fforts to reach victims of hate

crimes.

Every crime victim deserves justice and the assurance

that their safety, wellbeing, and welfare will be

protected. We must work together to prevent

[[Page 20618]]

crimes and ensure that all victims have a place to

turn, and the support they need to recover.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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 18

through April 24, 2021, 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 need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two

thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the

United States of America the two hundred and forty-

fifth.

(Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2021-08414

Filed 4-20-21; 8:45 am]

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