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 PUBLIC LAW 99-27—APR. 19, 1985

99 STAT. 53

Public Law 99-27 99th Congress Joint Resolution To designate the week of April 14, 1985, as "Crime Victims Week".

Whereas crime often inflicts considerable physical and emotional pain and financial hardship upon its victims, disrupting their lives, and placing great strains upon their families; Whereas our criminal justice system has often failed to provide the victims of crime with the compassionate treatment they deserve; Whereas it is the fundamental obligation of government to protect its citizens from the criminal element; Whereas there is a national movement in support of more just and compassionate treatment of victims of crime; Whereas the establishment of the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime and an Office for Victims of Crime in the Department of Justice, and enactment of the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982 and the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 evidence the Federal Government's increased awareness of the plight of crime victims; and Whereas further efforts are needed, at all levels of government and in the private sector, to help ease the trauma suffered by crime victims: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation designating April 14 through April 20, 1985, as "Crime Victims Week" and calling upon the people of the United States, State and local government agencies, and interested organizations to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. Approved April 19, 1985.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 109: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 131 (1985): Apr. 15, considered and passed Senate. Apr. 18, considered and passed House.

Apr. 19, 1985 [S.J. Res. 109]

18 USC 1501 note. 98 Stat. 2170. 42 USC 10601 note.

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