Proclamation Recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week

WHEREAS, the first "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in April 1981. 

WHEREAS, the impact of the crime or traumatic event can leave a lasting physical, emotional, or financial impact on people of all ages, genders, abilities, and of all economic, racial, and social backgrounds, anyone can be a victim.

WHEREAS, the term "victim" is more than just a label and has legal standing and protections that go along with it;

WHEREAS, crime victims' rights acts passed here in Texas and at the federal level guarantee victims the right to meaningful participate in the criminal justice process;

WHEREAS, victim service providers, advocates, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and other allied professionals can help survivors find their justice by enforcing these rights;

WHEREAS, victim service providers and allied professionals can reach more victims through innovative, trauma-informed programs, such as telehealth services and multidisciplinary teams;

WHEREAS, victim service providers and allied professionals can increase access to victim services and compensation in areas that have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by inequality by implementing culturally responsive services;

WHEREAS, equity and inclusion are fundamental prerequisites to survivor care, and survivor-led services that provide victims with opportunities to share their experiences are essential blueprints for support;

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week provides an opportunity to recommit to ensuring that accessible, appropriate, and trauma-informed services are offered to all victims of crime;

WHEREAS, today the City of Kyle wishes to commend our Victim Services Division consisting of a Victim Coordinator and an Advocate. The duo supported 717 individuals last year with some of the following traumatic events: sexual assault; harassment; survivors of homicide victims; and victims of family violence. The Kyle Police Department Victim Services Division has also assisted other agencies with their Victim Service needs to best support victims within the Hays County Community. 

WHEREAS, the City of Kyle wishes to commend our Victim Services Coordinator Kelly Barron and our Victim Services Advocate Hannah-Bea Bickford. 

THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the City Council of the City of Kyle, Texas does hereby proclaim the week of April 23-29, 2023 as 

"National Crime Victims' Rights Week" 

and reaffirms the City of Kyle's commitment to creating a victim service and criminal justice response that assists all victims of crime during Crime Victims' Rights Week and throughout the year; and 

Expressing our sincere gratitude and appreciation for those community members, victim service providers, and criminal justice professionals who are committed to improving our response to all victims of crime so that they may find relevant assistance, support, justice, and peace. 

SIGNED AND ENTERED THIS 18th DAY OF APRIL, 2023.

Travis Mitchell, Mayor

Bear Heiser, Council District 1

Yvonne Flores-Cale, Council District 2

Miguel Zuniga, Council District 3

Ashlee Bradshaw, Council District 4

Daniela Parsley, Council District 5

Michael Tobias, Mayor Pro Tem, Council District 6