Proclamation
Whereas, more than 26 million people become victims of crime each year, and these crimes affect the victims’ family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers; and Whereas, the Alameda County Victim/Witness Assistance Division is dedicated to ensuring the rights of crime victims and their families by providing services to aid in their recovery from the emotional, psychological, social and economic impact of crime as they reclaim their sense of safety, well–being and dignity; and
Whereas, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program was established in 1974 and continues to join forces with victim service providers, criminal justice agencies, and concerned citizens to raise awareness of victims’ rights and observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week; and
Whereas, over the last year , the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Division provided over 1,798 services to more than 3 05 crime victims in the C ity of Alameda, including but not limited to: child victims of violence and sexual abuse, stalking victims, survivors of homicide victims, human trafficking, crimes against elders and dependent adults, sexual assault, domestic violence, robbery an d other crimes. F or crime victims without independent financial means, the District Attorney’s Office facilitated financial support through the Victim Compensation program; and
Whereas, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has been a leader in ou treach and services to underserved populations including commercial sexual exploitation of children, sexual assault victims from cold hit/DNA cases, immigrant victims, urban youth, victims in the LGBTQ community, and victims with disabilities . The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has been bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community , and building community trust in the Criminal Justice System by providing victim services in Alameda County for over 40 years; and
Whereas, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 23-29, 2023, provides an opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity, and commitment that launched the victims’ rights movement, inspired its progress, and continues to advance the cause of justice for crime victims.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby recognize April 23-29, 2023 as
Alameda County Victims’ Rights Week
and reaffirm our commitment to respect and enforc e victims’ rights and address their needs throughout the year; and also express our appreciation for those victims and survivors of crime who have turned personal tragedy into a motivating force, to improve the response to victims of crime, and build a more just community.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor