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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 2-8, 2017 as National Crime Victims' Rights Week (Supervisor Thomson)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The District Attorney recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 2-8, 2017 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
For over three decades, National Crime Victims' Rights Week has successfully promoted awareness for victims' rights and services and honored countless crime victims and survivors. This year's theme -“Strength. Resilience. Justice,” calls on us to expand the vision that inspired the movement and celebrate the progress achieved to date. It captures the spirit and resolve needed to realize our common goal of reaching each victim in need of hope and help, one victim at a time.
Although there is much to celebrate within the victim rights movement, we face multiple, complex challenges in reaching out to victims. New types of crime have emerged and proliferated as a result of changes brought about by technology, globalization, and demographics in our society. Meanwhile, long-standing types of victimization endure, demanding a renewed commitment to action.
Solano County's Crime Victim Assistance Unit in the District Attorney's Office works with victims and witnesses of homicide, robbery, adult and child sexual assaults, domestic violence, stalking, elder abuse, child molest and physical abuse. Solano County Crime Victim Assistance Unit worked with over 637 new victims of crime in calendar year 2016. The Unit is primarily supported by grant funding through the California Office of Emergency Management Agency.
During the downturn of the economy that resulted in budget cuts and layoffs, the Crime Victim Assistance Unit struggled to operate with only three Crime Victim Assistants; the Unit has since recovered and has allocated eight Crime Victim Assistants positions to work with victims and witnesses throughout Solano County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of providing the resolution is included in the department budget and has no additional impact to the General Fund.
ALTERNATIVE:
The Board may choose not to present a resolution recognizing April 2-8, 2017 as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This is not recommended.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The District Attorney’s Office of Family Violence Prevention and Solano County Family Justice Center works with community partners and other County departments to identify and assist victims and witnesses of crimes.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION