Sample Proclamation

WHERAS, when a crime occurs, it doesn't affect just one person, but their family members and the entire community; and

WHEREAS, crime victims and their families deserve support from their community; and

WHEREAS, many victim service providers, police officers, and professionals working in the criminal justice system provide assistance to victims of crime and their families; and

WHEREAS, crime victims need to know that they have a voice in our criminal justice system and that there are laws in place to help them; and

WHEREAS, National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, April 26 to May 2, 2009 offers an opportunity for the community to raise awareness about victim issues, and about the services and laws in place to help victims and their families; and

WHEREAS, the theme for National Victims of Crime Awareness Week – Supporting, Connecting, Evolving - will help to promote greater understanding of victim issues; and

WHEREAS, an increased awareness of victim issues will encourage citizens to discuss the impacts of crime and be a personal support to victims; and

WHEREAS, public demonstrations of support for victims of crime help to build a community's capacity for compassion to assist victims and their families and the community as a whole; and

WHEREAS, addressing the victim issues requires the support and dedication of the whole community; and

WHEREAS, the support of ____________ [name of council or representative body] will encourage a greater number of citizens to participate in National Victims of Crime Awareness Week; therefore be it

RESOLVED THAT I, ________, [title] of the [province/municipality] of __________, do hereby proclaim April 26 to May 2, 2009 as Victims of Crime Awareness Week in the [province/municipality] of ____________;

RESOLVED THAT during Victims of Crime Awareness Week and throughout the year, [province/municipality] will recognize victims of crime and those who assist them and be it further

RESOLVED THAT [province/municipality] will remain committed to addressing and advancing victim issues.