Proclamation

 

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA DESIGNATING APRIL 26 THROUGH MAY 2, 2009 AS

CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WHEREAS, more than 33 million Americans are victims of crime each year and victims may suffer emotional, physical, psychological and/or financial harm as a result of crime; and

   

WHEREAS, victim assistance and compensation programs provide vital and supportive services for victims that help individuals, families and communities cope with the devastating impact of crime; and

   

WHEREAS, the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), passed by Congress in 1984, affirmed a national commitment to helping victims rebuild their lives by establishing the Crime Victims Fund, a major source of funding for services and compensation to victims of crime; and

 

WHEREAS, the Fund comprises fines and penalties levied on offenders and affirms the principle that those who commit crimes should be held accountable for their actions, and victim compensation programs pay for medical and counseling costs, funeral expenses, crime-scene cleanup, lost wages, and emergency relocation; and

   

WHEREAS, San Mateo County operates a Victim Center Program that last year processed over 3,000 victim referrals from law enforcement, had contact with over 2,450 new victims, of which over 600 were victims of Domestic Violence and over 350 were victims of Sexual Assault (adults & children) and compensation claims were filed for over 550 victims; and

   

WHEREAS, San Mateo County is joining forces with victim service programs and criminal justice agencies throughout the nation to observe the 25TH anniversary of VOCA.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, hereby designates the Week of April 26 through May 2, 2009 as CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK in San Mateo County, in conjunction with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, to honor the individuals, families and communities that have been victims of crime, as well as the many people who provide assistance and support services for victims.

 

Dated: April 26, 2009

 

SUPERVISORS:

  
   


MARK CHURCH, President

     
   


CAROLE GROOM

     
   


RICHARD S. GORDON

     
   


ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

     
   


ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

     
     
     

Attest:

_________________________________

 

Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors