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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 7-13, 2019 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Solano County (Supervisor Vasquez)
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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 7-13, 2019 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Solano County.
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 - Honoring Our Past, Creating Hope for the Future, 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 breaking the cycle of violence and 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 all 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/Witness Assistance Unit in the District Attorney’s Office works with victims and witnesses of homicide, robbery, adult and child sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, elder abuse, child molestation and physical abuse. This unit worked with 2,236 new victims of crime in the calendar year 2018 alone, and with the growing demand, has allocated nine crime victim assistant positions to work with victims and witnesses throughout Solano County. The unit is supported by grant funding through the California Office of Emergency Services.
In support of the Victim/Witness Unit, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office of Family Violence Prevention and the Solano Family Justice Center help assist victims of violence by providing multiple services directly and through partnering agencies all located under one roof. The SFJC also offers a safe and secure place for those exposed to domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder and dependent adult abuse. Ultimately, the goal is to break the cycle of violence by offering victims and survivors the opportunity to build hope and new futures free from violence.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials and plaque are included in the Board’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board can choose not to adopt the resolution; however, this action is not recommended as this is an opportunity to raise awareness of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week which has been recognized annually in Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION