S.R. No. 43 Summary

• Recognizes April 26-May 2, 2009, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Ohio to increase public knowledge of and pay tribute to crime victims and survivors.

• Notes that more than 25 million Americans are victims of crime annually, including 5.2 million victims of violent crime, with long-lasting effects on victims, families, and communities.

• Emphasizes the importance of ensuring justice system protections and victim services are available to underserved populations including those with disabilities, mental illness, teenagers, elderly persons, rural residents, and those from different ethnic backgrounds.

• Highlights the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) established in 1984, which uses federal offender fines and penalties to fund victim assistance and compensation programs throughout the nation and Ohio.

• Directs the Senate Clerk to transmit authenticated copies of the resolution to Ohio news media.