ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 46
BY REPRESENTATIVE MARINO
A RESOLUTION
To recognize April 23 through 29, 2023, as National Crime Victims' Week in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, being a victim of crime and navigating the criminal justice system can
be a frightening and confusing experience; and
WHEREAS, progress in improving the treatment of crime victims has been made
through the efforts of thousands of victims and survivors who have turned their experiences
into a force for positive change; and
WHEREAS, through these efforts, victims and survivors ensure that others receive
justice, meaningful assistance, and compassionate treatment before the law; and
WHEREAS, since the passage of the Victim of Crime Act of 1984, and through the
dedicated work of advocates, lawmakers, and victim service providers, there is a growing
array of services and resources available to victims and their loved ones; and
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Crime Data Explorer,
in 2020, there were 6,300 violent crime incidents and 32,810 property crime incidents
reported by law enforcement in Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the rights of crime victims in Louisiana are codified in R.S. 46:1844,
which provides for the following rights: to reasonable notice and to be present and heard
during all critical stages of pre- and post-conviction proceedings; to confer with the
prosecution prior to final disposition of the case; to refuse to be interviewed by the accused
or a representative of the accused; to review and comment on any presentence report; to a
reasonably prompt conclusion of the case; to seek restitution; and to be informed upon the
release from custody or the escape of the accused or the offender; and
WHEREAS, honoring the rights of victims, including the rights to be heard and to
be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect, and working to meet the needs of crime victims
help to rebuild trust in the criminal justice and social service systems; and
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WHEREAS, individuals' trust in the compassion, understanding, and support of their
communities is achieved through sustained, deep-rooted, and coordinated outreach; and
WHEREAS, identifying, reaching, and serving all victims of crime, especially those
from groups that have less access to healing services and avenues to justice, is essential; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana's continued engagement with the challenges faced by victims
of crime will ensure that the progress made to date is not lost and that new ground is broken
to gain greater justice and healing for all victims; and
WHEREAS, National Crime Victims Week provides an opportunity to recommit to
ensuring that accessible, appropriate, and trauma-informed services are offered to all victims
of crime.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize April 23 through 29, 2023, as National
Crime Victims' Rights Week in Louisiana.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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