| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: OJARS |
April 16, 1984 | (202) 724-5933 |
REAGAN PROCLAIMS CRIME VICTIMS WEEK
WASHINGTON -- To commemorate April 15-21 as the fourth annual Crime
Victims Week, President Reagan has honored four victims for their
outstanding service on behalf of fellow victims.
During a White House ceremony Friday with Attorney General William French
Smith, Reagan commended each victim for "turning your anguish into
constructive action -- by establishing programs to aid your fellow citizens
who have suffered as you did at the hand of criminals."
Assistant Attorney General Lois Haight Herrington, who introduced each
victim to the President, emphasized "These courageous people represent the
many victims who're moved on to become compassionate counselors and
catalysts."
Mrs. Venice Justice, of Denver, catalysts for change in their Co., was honored
for counseling victims as a volunteer in the Denver District Attorney's office. Mrs.
Justice survived a brutal rape and assault during which one of her daughters was
killed.
An Albuquerque, New Mexico man was commended for his efforts following an attack
in which he was severely beaten and shot in the face. In addition to becoming a
leader for the victims movement in New Mexico, Mr. Robert Romero offers
counseling to victims at any time of the day or night.
Dr. William Kosiak, a Minneapolis, Minn. physician who was robbed at gunpoint
twice in less than one year, was lauded for successfully lobbying the Minnesota
legislature to enact a victims bill of rights last year.
A rape victim from Virginia, Anne Dawson, was recognized for her service as
president of the statewide coalition of rape crisis centers a group which
brought major changes in Virginia law, court rules and procedures for
sexual assault. She is now working to reform the treatment of child sexual
assault victims.
Upon presenting the honorees with the first Presidential awards to victims,
Reagan said, "It wasn't too long ago that I, too, was a victim of crime. I
was fortunate enough to receive special care and a great deal of attention."
Noting that many victims do not receive just, compassionate treatment, Reagan
urged Congress to pass the Victims of Crime Assistance Act of 1984, a bill
proposing that federal criminal fines be channelled into a fund for state
victim compensation programs and victim/witness services.
The President also commended the initiatives of the first federal crime
victims unit, established within the Justice Department this year.
Its activities have included a judges' training conference, the first
federal sexual assault symposium, and conference on the sexual victimization
of children. Groups working with the unit include the National Organization
for Black Law Enforcement Executives the Center for Women Policy Studies, and
the National Sheriffs' Association.