PROCLAMATION

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING APRIL 13-19, 2008, AS

Victims’ Rights Week

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WHEREAS, every year, some 23 million Americans are victims of crime, and of those, more than 5 million are victims of violent crime; and

WHEREAS, in 2007, San Mateo County’s Victim Center processed more than 3,380 victim referrals from law enforcement, communicated with approximately 1,700 new victims, of which more than 700 were victims of sexual assault or domestic violence; with claims assistance provided over 650 times and crisis intervention services helped more than 300 victims; and

WHEREAS, by acknowledging the tremendous impact that crime has on individuals, families as well as communities helps to ensure that legal rights, resources and services are readily available; and

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 13-19, 2008, reminds everyone that society as a whole must ensure that every victim is afforded his or her legal rights, is treated with dignity and respect and is recognized as a significant participant in the criminal justice process; and

WHEREAS, victims’ rights are a critical component of the promise of “justice for all,” which forms the foundation of American jurisprudence.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County designates April 13-19, 2008, as National Victims’ Rights Week, and encourages the public to remember the victims of crime and to understand that their legal rights are in reality equal rights.

Dated: APRIL 8, 2008

SUPERVISORS:

ADRIENNE J. TISSIER, PRESIDENT

MARK CHURCH

JERRY HILL

RICHARD S. GORDON

ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors