RECOGNIZING APRIL 6-12, 2025, AS "CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Snyder-Hall & Rep. K. Williams & Sen. Hansen

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 27

RECOGNIZING APRIL 6-12, 2025, AS "CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS,

crime can leave a lasting impact on any person, regardless of age, national origin, race, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration, or economic status; and

WHEREAS, the term “victim” is more than just a label and has legal standing and protections that go along with it; and

WHEREAS, crime victims’ rights acts passed here in Delaware and at the federal level guarantee victims the right to meaningfully participate in the criminal justice process; and

WHEREAS, with the unwavering support

of their communities and victim service providers behind them, victims

and survivors of crime will be empowered to face their grief, loss, fear, anger, and hope without fear of judgment, and will feel understood, heard, and respected; and

WHEREAS, serving victims and survivors rebuilds their trust, which in turn restores their hope and supports thriving communities; and

WHEREAS, incorporating communities’ existing experts and trusted sources of support into efforts to fully serve victims and survivors will develop a criminal justice system response that is truly accessible and appropriate for all victims; and

WHEREAS, engaging a broader array of healthcare providers, community leaders, faith organizations, educators, and businesses can provide new links between victims and survivors and services that improve their safety, healing, and access to justice; and

WHEREAS, honoring the rights of victims and survivors of crime, including the rights to be heard and treated with fairness, dignity, and respect, and working to meet their needs rebuilds their trust in the criminal justice and social service systems; and

WHEREAS, victim service providers and allied professionals can increase access to victim services and compensation in areas that have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by inequality by implementing culturally responsive services; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s annual Crime Victims’ Rights Week, held in coordination with the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each April, provides an opportunity to recommit to ensure that all victims and survivors of crime, especially those who are challenging to reach or serve, are offered culturally and linguistically accessible and appropriate services in the aftermath of crime; and

WHEREAS, this commemorative week celebrates the energy, perseverance, and commitment that launched the

victims’ rights movement four decades ago, inspired its progress, and continues to advance the cause of justice for crime victims; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Victims’ Bill of Rights is codified in Chapter 94 of Title 11; and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly is dedicated to strengthening victims and survivors in the aftermath of crime, building resilience in Delaware’s communities and victim responders, and working toward a better future for all victims and survivors; and

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides an opportunity to recommit to ensuring that accessible, appropriate, and trauma-informed services are offered to all victims of crime; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware is hereby dedicated to helping crime survivors find their justice by enforcing victims’ rights, expanding access to services, and ensuring equity and inclusion for all; and

WHEREAS, recognizing Crime Victims’ Rights Week reaffirms this State’s commitment to creating a victim service and criminal justice response that assists all victims of crime during Crime Victims’ Rights Week and throughout the year, and expresses our sincere gratitude and appreciation for those community members, victim service providers, and criminal justice professionals who are committed to improving our response to all victims of crime so that they may find relevant assistance, support, justice, and peace.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the State of Delaware of the 153rd General Assembly, the Senate concurring therein, that April 6-12, 2025, is recognized as “Crime Victims’ Rights Week” in the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution recognizes April 6-12, 2025, as "Crime Victims' Rights Week" in the State of Delaware. The following websites provide more information on Crime Victims' Rights Week and the resources available to victims and survivors of crime:

Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, at https://dcadv.org

Delaware Victims' Rights Task Force, at https://delawarevictimservices.org