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Proclamation declaring April 6 - 12, 2014 "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, 22 million Americans are directly harmed by crime each year, and these crimes also affect family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers; and
WHEREAS, in Allegheny County, the Center for Victims is a comprehensive and inclusive provider of services, advocacy and education for all victims of crime in Allegheny County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, the Center for Victims provides a myriad of free and confidential services to adult and child victims of domestic violence, rape/sexual assault, homicide or any other crime. In addition, they provide assistance to individuals and families who have witnessed violence and crime; and
WHEREAS, the Center for Victims serves approximately 15,000 victims of crime each year. Its teen dating violence prevention program educates more than 6,000 high school students in 8 local schools. Through its Men Ending violence (MEN) campaign, the Center for Victims encourages all men to take a pledge to not participate in, approve of, or remain silent about violence; and
WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity, and commitment that launched the victims' rights movement, inspired its progress, and continues to advance the cause of justice for crime victims;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby declare April 6 - 12, 2014 National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Allegheny County. We commend the Center for Victims for being an advocate for the vulnerable and victimized and for working to enhance our nation's commitment to service, ensuring that crime victims have the access to help they deserve and the rights they are promised.