PROCLAMATION

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

PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING APRIL 10 THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011 AS

CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK

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PROCLAIMED, by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, that

WHEREAS, 20 million Americans are victims of crime each year, and every crime affects others, including families, friends and communities; and

WHEREAS, crime exacts an emotional, physical, psychological and often financial toll on victims who have sustained physical and/or emotional injury, have lost loved ones to senseless crimes, and often their sense of security is replaced by a sense of vulnerability as their world is turned upside down; and

WHEREAS, more than 30 years of progress for crime victims has culminated in victims gaining a voice and rights particularly around the criminal justice proceedings, after years of feeling shame, isolation and indifference; and

WHEREAS, we applaud the progress that our nation has made in recognizing crime’s impact on victims and celebrate advocates and victims/survivors who through determination and perseverance established rights and resources for victims; and

WHEREAS, by working together, we can help victims of crime by ensuring that they receive the support they need, the respect they deserve, and the rights they have earned; and

WHEREAS, San Mateo County operates a Victim Center Program that last year processed over 3,500 victim referrals from law enforcement, had contact with over 3,300 new victims of which approximately 850 were victims of Domestic Violence, over 390 were victims of Sexual Assault (adults & children), over 650 were victims of Assault, and Compensation Claims for payment/reimbursement of crime related expenses were filed for over 750 victims; and

WHEREAS, San Mateo County is joining forces with victim service programs and criminal justice agencies throughout the nation to raise awareness of victims’ rights and observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which was established in 1981 by President Ronald W. Reagan,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County, in conjunction with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, does hereby designate the week of April 10 – April 16, 2011 as CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK in San Mateo County.

Dated: April 12, 2011

SUPERVISORS:

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CAROLE GROOM, President

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DON HORSLEY

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ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

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ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors