Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4638

 124 STAT. 4612 PROCLAMATION 8500—APR. 16, 2010 last year’s landmark American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in- cluded funding for crime prevention programs, criminal justice initia- tives, and services for victims. Dedicated individuals, organizations, and agencies across our Nation are also aiding this effort, caring for the survivors of crime by providing shelter, counseling, and other types of assistance. While any person or community may experience crime, some groups are disproportionately affected. Nearly half of all murder victims are African Americans, and Native American women suffer one of the highest rates of sexual assault of any ethnic group. These disparities are an affront to all Americans, and we must address them with inno- vative policing strategies and greater community involvement. Beyond violent crime and property crime, we must also fight white- collar crime and protect its victims, including those recovering from fi- nancial fraud. Through my Administration’s Financial Fraud Enforce- ment Task Force and other initiatives, we are cracking down on mort- gage fraud and predatory lending practices. Programs for victims of these crimes can help restore economic security after a family loses its life savings or home due to cruel deception. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we reaffirm our support for victims and survivors of crime, and we recommit to strengthening the Federal, State, and local partnerships that are reducing criminal ac- tivity. Together, we will build a safer, more secure America. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through April 24, 2010, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week with events and activities that raise awareness of victims’ rights, and by volunteering to serve their fellow citizens. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- fourth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 8500 of April 16, 2010 National Volunteer Week, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since the founding of our Nation, we have met our greatest challenges through the dedication of countless Americans who have given gener- ously of themselves, asking for nothing in return. The American story is a story of volunteers—of patriots who fought for our founding ideals, of people who marched for justice, of firefighters who rushed into burning towers, and of ordinary citizens who lifted up struggling com- munities. All were volunteers, and their work changed our country.