Whereas, Over 24 million people in the United States are touched by crime each year; and,

Whereas, The threat and reality of terrorism have challenged all Americans to realize the devastating consequences of violent crime, and their important roles in providing support to individuals and communities who are victimized; and,

Whereas, Crime in America results in significant physical, psychological, financial and spiritual effects on countless innocent victims; and,

Whereas, Crime victims in every state, U.S. territories and Federal jurisdictions have statutory rights to be kept informed of and involved in criminal and juvenile justice processes, and to be afforded protection, restitution and accountability from their offenders; and,

Whereas, There are over 10,000 community and system based victim service programs across our nation that provide a wide range of services and support to victims of crime; in 2003, the Office for Victims of Crime within the U.S. Department of Justice commemorates 20 years of providing leadership to ensure that crime victims are treated with dignity and compassion; and,

Whereas, America as a nation continues to face threats to our personal and public safety, and continues to commit its collective energies to help our fellow citizens who are hurt by crime; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of April 6, 2003, as Crime Victim’s Week in Michigan. I encourage all our citizens to recognize crime victims and those who serve them during this week and throughout the year. Together we can fulfill the promise of justice and compassion for crime victims as individuals, as communities and as a nation dedicated to justice for all.