Title
Proclamation Declaring April 7 through 13, 2019 as Alameda County Victims’ Rights Week. (City Manager 2110)
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, more than 26 million people become victims of crime each year, and these crimes also affect family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The Alameda County Victim/Witness Assistance Division is dedicated to ensuring the rights of crime victims and their families by providing services to aid in their recovery from the emotional, psychological, social and economic impact of crime as they reclaim their sense of safety, well-being and dignity; and
Whereas, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program was established in 1974 and continues to join forces with victim service providers, criminal justice agencies, and concerned citizens to raise awareness of victims’ rights and observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week; and
Whereas, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office was the first in the nation to create a Victim/Witness Assistance Division, and survivors, community service providers, criminal justice professionals and victim advocates are working together to enhance a criminal justice system response that is accessible, culturally competent and appropriate for all victims of crime; and
Whereas, in 2018, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Division provided almost 4,000 services to more than 438 crime victims, and the Victim/Witness Assistance Claims Division assisted more than 3,300 victims of crime in receiving almost $3,000,000 in state compensation funds which paid for services for victims of crime without independent means; and
Whereas, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has been a leader in outreach and services to underserved populations including commercial sexual exploitation of children, sexual assault victims from cold hit/DNA cases, immigrant victims, urban youth, and victims in the LGBTQ community, as well as victims with disabilities. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has been bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community and building the community’s trust in the Criminal Justice System with over 40 years of providing victim services in Alameda County; and
Whereas, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019, 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 I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby proclaim April 7-13, 2019 to be Alameda County Victims’ Rights Week
and reaffirm the commitment to respect and enforce victims’ rights and addressing their needs during Victims’ Rights Weeks and throughout the year; and express our appreciation for those victims and survivors of crime who have turned personal tragedy into a motivating force to improve the response to victims of crime and build a more just community.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor