WHEREAS, Crime and the threat of violence have profound and devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities in America; and
     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 the 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, United States territory, and Federal jurisdiction have statutory rights to be kept informed of and involved in the 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; and
     WHEREAS, In 2003, the Office for Victims of Crime within the United States 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 personal and public safety, and continues to commit its collective energies to help citizens who are hurt by crime; and
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor crime victims and those who serve them and urge residents to honor them this week of April 6-12, Crime Victims Week; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we continue to fulfill the promise of justice and compassion for crime victims as individuals, as communities, and as a nation to justice for all; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Families and Friends of Violent Crime Victims.