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Proclamation for National Victims' Rights Week April 23-29, 2023
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NATIONAL VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK
April 23-29, 2023
WHEREAS, more than 26 million people become victims of crime each year, and these crimes also affect family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers; and the Alameda County Victim/Witness 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. The Victim/Witness staff assists victims of crime without regard to a person's race, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, and gender identity or immigration status.
WHEREAS, victims are faced with many challenges as a result of crime; often times, victims enter systems that fail to meet their needs, provide appropriate services and fail to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve; and involving survivors helps victim service providers and criminal justice professionals understand the culture, values, and expectations of underserved and unserved victims who seek assistance and justice; and
WHEREAS, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program was the first such program established in 1974, beginning with one Victim Advocate. Today, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office employs more than 60 individuals dedicated to working with Victims of Crime.
WHEREAS, in 1984, the Crime Victims Fund was established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to provide a permanent source of support for crime victim services and compensation. Alameda County District Attorney's Office Victim-Witness Assistance Division partners with survivors, community service providers, criminal justice professionals and victim advocates are working together to enhance a criminal justice system response that is accessible, culturally com...
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