Bill Text: MI SR0141 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to commemorate April 22-28, 2012, as Crime Victims' Rights Week and reaffirm our commitment to the annual Crime Victims' Vigil on April 25, 2012.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 12-3)
Status: (Passed) 2012-04-24 - Adopted [SR0141 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-SR0141-Enrolled.html
SR-141, As Adopted by Senate, April 24, 2012
Senator Schuitmaker offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 141.
A resolution to commemorate April 22-28, 2012, as Crime Victims' Rights Week and reaffirm our commitment to the annual Crime Victims' Vigil on April 25, 2012.
Whereas, With the implementation of the crime victim's rights act in 1985 and the passage of the constitutional amendment in 1988, the state of Michigan has adopted some of the nation's most comprehensive laws to protect the rights of victims of crime. All of us must do what we can to adhere not only to the victim's rights laws, but the spirit of those laws as well. Let us acknowledge that just as government must be open to its citizens, so our system of justice must be open to victims of crime; and
Whereas, Though the state of Michigan continues to make strides in reducing the crime rate, there are still far too many victims of crime. Michigan families reported over 500,000 new victims of crime in 2010 alone, and research consistently indicates that less than half of all crimes are reported. The recently released National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey estimates that today in Michigan there are over 1 million survivors of sexual assault. The literally millions of Michigan citizens who have suffered a violation of their person, property, or trust deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by our criminal and juvenile justice systems and by society at-large; and
Whereas, We recognize that our response to crime victims plays an important role in their efforts to rebuild their lives following the offense. Let all of us--policymakers, those in the criminal justice system, counselors, clergy members, and members of the general public--do what we can to respond to victims of crime with compassion and respect; and
Whereas, The national theme for 2012 is "Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim." Let us all strive toward these rights and beyond until we create a world where crime decreases, victimization is reduced, and every victim experiences their constitutional right to be treated with fairness and with respect for their dignity and privacy; and
Whereas, Through public and private efforts, our community has already taken important steps to ensure that our treatment of victims helps them to begin the healing. We gratefully acknowledge the many law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victims service providers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, counselors, physicians, health care professionals, and the many others whose dedication and service to crime victims helps to lessen trauma and assists in personal recoveries. Let us, in particular, express our appreciation for those victims and survivors of crime who have turned personal tragedy into a motivating force not only to improve the rights and treatment of other victims of crime, but also to build a better, more just community; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate the week of April 22-28, 2012, as Crime Victims' Rights Week and reaffirm our commitment to respect and enforce victims' rights and address their needs with a Crime Victims' Vigil on April 25, 2012, at the State Capitol, and throughout the remainder of the year.
