Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6-12, 2025, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in the State of New York
Assembly Resolution No. 333 is a ceremonial measure that memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6-12, 2025, as Crime Victims' Rights Week in New York State, in conjunction with the national observance. The resolution recites the history of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, notes the lasting physical, emotional, and financial harms caused by crime, and emphasizes the importance of dignity, compassion, and support for victims and survivors.
The resolution highlights the role of victim assistance programs and the broader victim services network, including law enforcement, prosecutors, counselors, health care professionals, correction officers, parole and probation officers, and volunteers. It also references the Crime Victims Fund created under the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and identifies groups and crime types that may require specialized outreach, such as child victims, domestic violence survivors, stalking victims, homicide survivors, drunk-driving crash victims, immigrant victims, LGBTQ+ victims, and victims of cybercrime and terrorism.
This resolution does not change New York statutes, create new rights, or appropriate funds; it is a nonbinding legislative memorial urging the Governor to issue a proclamation. Its practical effect is symbolic and commemorative, aimed at raising public awareness of victims' rights and recognizing the work of victim service providers during the designated week.
The tone of the resolution is strongly supportive and commemorative, reflecting broad sympathy for crime victims and survivors and endorsement of victim services. Because there is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, there is no evidence of opposition or divided sentiment in the available record.
No specific points of contention are identified in the bill text or accompanying materials. The resolution is largely uncontroversial on its face, though it does reference broader issues that can be politically sensitive in other contexts, such as criminal justice policy, immigrant victims, LGBTQ+ victims, cybercrime, terrorism, and the adequacy of victim compensation and services.