On the recordApril 22, 2015
Mr. President, we have commemorated National Crime Victims' Rights Week every April since 1981. This year it takes place from April 19 through April 25. This week is dedicated to remembering victims of crime, building awareness, and advocating for victims' rights. It is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the millions of Americans and thousands of Iowans who fall victim to senseless acts of crime each year. On Monday I introduced a bipartisan resolution commemorating National Crime Victims' Rights Week, and I am happy that my colleagues have joined me by unanimously passing this resolution this morning. The theme for this week, ``Engaging Communities. Empowering Victims,'' recognizes the importance of offering the support necessary to help crime survivors heal. During this week we also remember the contributions of the countless crisis hotline volunteers and staff, victims' rights attorneys, medical professionals, and emergency responders who provide critical assistance to survivors of crime every hour, every day in communities across the United States. The Judiciary Committee has worked to strengthen Federal laws and direct resources to efforts to prevent crime from occurring in the first place. And, although we still have a way to go to ensure that all crime survivors are treated with appropriate fairness and respect in the criminal justice system, I am proud that we have made important strides toward this goal. An important issue for many crime victims is restitution.…





