Governor Proclaims Crime Victims' Rights Week 2024

CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK

2024

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, in 2022, about 42,900 violent crimes were committed in North Carolina, according to the Annual Summary Report of Uniform Crime Reporting Data; and

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Week recognizes the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) as a pillar of support for victims' services and reaffirms the commitment of our state to addressing the needs of victims of crime; and

WHEREAS, victims and survivors of crime suffer emotional, physical, psychological, and financial harm as a result of the criminal acts committed against them; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recognizes and affirms a national commitment to provide financial support to crime victims by the establishment of the Crime Victims Fund as a major funding source for compensation to crime victims throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Fund, comprised of fines and penalties paid by convicted offenders, has financed victims' assistance and compensation programs in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the Governor's Crime Commission and the North Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Commission serve as a conduit through which vital financial support is provided for victims' assistance and compensation programs in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, criminal justice officials, advocacy groups, and concerned individuals encourage all people to help victims of crime with purpose and compassion, providing them with the physical, financial, and emotional support they need to rebuild their lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 21 – 27, 2024, as “CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

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Roy Cooper

Governor

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-second day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.