Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 14

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 14-Assemblymen Anderson, Amodei, Arberry, Bache, Berman, Braunlin, Buckley, Carpenter, Cegavske, Chowning, Close, Collins, de Braga, Dini, Ernaut, Evans, Freeman, Giunchigliani, Goldwater, Gustavson, Herrera, Hettrick, Hickey, Humke, Koivisto, Krenzer, Lambert, Lee, Manendo, Marvel, Mortenson, Neighbors, Nolan, Ohrenschall, Parks, Perkins, Price, Sandoval, Segerblom, Tiffany, Von Tobel and Williams

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ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION--Designating April 13 through April 19, 1997, as Victims' Rights Week.

Whereas, The cost of crime in this country is approximately $105 billion annually including the loss of property and productivity as well as exorbitant medical expenses, which amounts to an annual "crime tax" of approximately $425 for every citizen of the United States; and
Whereas, A violent crime is committed approximately every 18 seconds in this country; and
Whereas, Crime increased almost 40 percent during the years from 1990 to 1994, and the State of Nevada has one of the highest crime rates among the western states, totaling 6,677 crimes for every 100,000 residents in 1994; and
Whereas, Victims of crime often suffer not only physical injuries, but devastating emotional trauma and pecuniary losses as well; and
Whereas, The criminal justice system relies almost entirely upon information provided by the victim in solving crimes, and this places additional stress upon victims who have already suffered intense physical or emotional trauma, or both; and
Whereas, In a show of support and determination, the residents of Nevada amended section 8 of article 1 of the Nevada Constitution to provide for increased rights for victims of crime; and
Whereas, The Nevada Legislature has supported and continues to support, through its legislative efforts, innocent victims of crime; and
Whereas, The observance of a Victims' Rights Week provides an excellent opportunity for all residents of this state to reflect upon this tragic problem, become more aware of the problems faced by victims of crime and take an active role in providing aid and support for victims of crime in their communities; and
Whereas, Dedicated members of VICTORY (Victims in Crisis, Turmoil or Recovery), a victims' rights organization in Northern Nevada, have worked tirelessly to aid victims of crime and have strived to see that justice is attained by ensuring a balance between the rights of the victim and the rights of the accused; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That the members of the 69th session of the Nevada Legislature do hereby designate April 13 through April 19, 1997, as Victims' Rights Week; and be it further
Resolved, That the Nevada Legislature hereby commends all organizations that provide services to victims of crime and expresses its sincere gratitude to the members of the Northern Nevada victims' rights organization, VICTORY, for their continuing efforts to help those victims in need of understanding and assistance; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to Kathy Jacobs, President of the Northern Nevada victims' rights organization, VICTORY.
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