By Maxey H.R. No. 758 77R12619 MMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The year 2001 marks the 21st anniversary of National 1-2 Crime Victims' Rights Week in the United States, a time to reflect 1-3 on the positive changes in our nation's response to victims of 1-4 crime and to acknowledge the countless efforts of victims and 1-5 victim advocates within our own state in securing important 1-6 reforms; and 1-7 WHEREAS, For years, crime victims were kept out of the 1-8 courtrooms and in the dark about the status of the accused and of 1-9 their cases; they had little voice in matters that affected their 1-10 lives in the aftermath of crime, few services to assist them, and 1-11 few avenues through which to seek justice; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Victims today are an integral part of the justice 1-13 process; in Texas, crime victims have played an important role in 1-14 promoting victims' rights and services; their work has helped to 1-15 change laws, policies, and attitudes; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Important partnerships have been formed among 1-17 criminal and juvenile justice agencies, allied professionals, 1-18 victims' services, and the private sector to ensure that crime 1-19 victims are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Our state's commitment to victims' assistance grows 1-21 stronger with each passing year, with numerous system-based and 1-22 community-based programs in place to provide help and hope for 1-23 those hurt by crime; and 1-24 WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week is an 2-1 appropriate time to recognize the great strides we have made, to 2-2 celebrate the achievements of those who have overcome pain and fear 2-3 to work for victims' rights and for safer communities, and to 2-4 commit ourselves, individually and collectively, to that same 2-5 worthy cause; now, therefore, be it 2-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-7 Legislature hereby recognize April 22-28, 2001, as National Crime 2-8 Victims' Rights Week and urge all Texans to continue to strive for 2-9 justice and compassion for victims of crime.