WHEREAS, we join with victims' rights organizations, local law enforcement, Nevada residents, Marsy's Law for Nevada, the Office for Victims of Crime, the Division of Child and Family Services and U.S. Department of Justice, to call for the support of victims of crime; and

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25, 2026, serves to recognize the needs of crime victims, and the importance of securing their voice and rights; and

WHEREAS, the sentiment embodied in this year's theme is "Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims and service communities." Together we focus on our responsibility as a community to remember the victims of crime and engage our neighbors to ensure we keep the rights of victims in mind; and

WHEREAS, Nevada law enforcement agencies investigated more than 12,489 incidents of "violent crimes" including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault in 2025. Domestic violence cases totaled 27,591. The statistics are recorded in the FBI's 2024 "National Incident-Based Reporting System, NIBRS, Nevadacrimestats.nv.gov/tops; and

WHEREAS, victims of all ages, races, and socio-economic status are among the list of victimized. Nevada law, as approved in 2018 with Marsy's Law for Nevada and the Victims' Bill of Rights, provides for constitutionally protected requirements for victims who opt-in and want to be notified of legal action; and

WHEREAS, Marsy's Law for Nevada, and the Victims' Bill of Rights requires victims to be treated with fairness and respect through the process, victims should be notified of all public legal proceedings, notified of pending release or hearings for the release of the defendant or convicted person, victims have the right to be reasonably heard and considered during the judicial process, the right to full and timely restitution, and more; and

WHEREAS, we applaud the work of Nevada advocacy organizations including: The Resiliency and Justice Center, SafeNest, NV Coalition to END Domestic & Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence Resource Center, Safe Embrace, HopeLink of Southern Nevada, Shade Tree, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, SAFE House, Signs of HOPE, The Embracing Project, and more advocates like Marsy's Law for Nevada, law enforcement, judicial leaders, and good citizens who help neighbors rebuild their lives after being victimized; and

WHEREAS, we stand with community partners, citizens, and colleagues across Nevada and nationwide to recognize the 45th annual National Crime Victims' Rights Week, and recognize the importance of protected rights for victims of crime; and

WHEREAS, we call on Nevada residents and businesses to shine a light on the importance of crime victims' rights and GO PURPLE April 19-25, 2026. #NCVRW2026 #VictimsRightsNV #GoPurpleMLNV;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim April 19-25, 2026, as

CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK IN NEVADA