Governor Proclaims Crime Victims' Rights Week 2021

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

WHEREAS, according to the Annual Summary Report of Uniform Crime Reporting Data, in 2019 there were nearly 37,000 violent crimes committed in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina justice system and its civic and community partners have built a strong network of services and programs to help victims of crime as they rebuild their lives and allow their physical and emotional scars to heal; and

WHEREAS, victims and survivors of crime can gain strength from the wide range of supportive services offered by community- and justice system-based programs in North Carolina, including more than 75 sexual assault programs and 83 domestic violence programs; and

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an opportunity to recognize the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) as a pillar of support for victim services, and to reaffirm our state and nation’s commitment to addressing the needs of victims of crimes; and

WHEREAS, the Crime Victims Fund, established through VOCA, represents a national commitment to provide services and financial support to crime victims throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Fund, comprised of fines and penalties paid by convicted offenders, has financed victim assistance and compensation programs in North Carolina and other states nationwide, including those in non-profit, law enforcement, and local and state government; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Crime Commission serves as a conduit through which vital financial support is provided for victim assistance and compensation programs in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network, along with victim services programs, criminal justice officials, advocacy groups, and concerned individuals throughout North Carolina, joins the United States in observing the 35th anniversary of VOCA during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages people to help victims of crimes rebuild their lives through supportive services; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 18 – 24, 2021, as “CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.