Summary of HRES 1618 — National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month
Overview
HRES 1618 is a House Resolution that expresses support for designating November 20, 2024, through December 20, 2024, as "National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month." The resolution is introduced in the House and referred to the Judiciary Committee for consideration. It is a non-binding, symbolic measure intended to raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage action to address violence and its impacts.
- Introduced: December 17, 2024
- Status: Submitted in the House; referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary
- Legislative type: Concurrent or simple resolution (non-binding)
Purpose and Intent
The bill aims to formally recognize and promote an awareness month dedicated to survivors of homicide victims. Its core purpose is to mobilize awareness, services, and research to support survivors, families, schools, and communities affected by homicide and gun violence, and to encourage broader societal engagement in preventing violence.
Key Provisions
The introduced text outlines three primary elements:
Formal designation
- Expresses support for designating November 20, 2024, through December 20, 2024, as National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month.
Support for awareness, services, and research
- Encourages efforts to raise awareness about survivors of homicide victims.
- Supports survivors by providing access to services and information for families, schools, and communities.
- Encourages research aimed at:
- Better addressing the needs of families and communities severely impacted by violence.
- Improving access to and the quality of behavioral health services for survivors of homicide victims.
Calls to action for the public and affected groups
- Urges the American people, interest groups, and affected individuals to promote awareness of survivors.
- Encourages active involvement in efforts to reduce gun violence and homicide.
- Urges compassionate, consistent, and competent responses to families in the aftermath of homicide, grounded in love, unity, faith, hope, courage, justice, and forgiveness.
- Encourages observance of National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month through appropriate activities.
Impact and Stakeholders
- Survivors and families: Increased recognition, access to information and services, and a framework for support.
- Schools and communities: Resource awareness and potential programming to assist affected students and neighbors.
- Behavioral health providers: Potential emphasis on improving access to and quality of mental health services for survivors.
- Public and advocacy groups: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities and anti-violence efforts.
Note: As a resolution, the measure does not create new law or mandatory funding. It expresses congressional intent and calls for actions and awareness rather than imposing government requirements.
Procedural Timeline
- 2024-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary
- 2024-12-17: Submitted in the House
Sponsorship
- Primary Sponsor: Ayanna Pressley
- Cosponsors (listed): Sylvia R. García, Paul Tonko, Delia C. Ramirez, Mary Gay Scanlon, Nanette Diaz Barragán, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jim Costa, Emanuel Cleaver, Dwight Evans, Stephen F. Lynch, Maxwell Frost
- Note: A diverse group of members from various regions and committees.
Related Legislation
- Companion Senate resolutions: SRES 929 and SRES 465
- Companion House resolution: HRES 879
Remarks for Readers
This bill is informational and commemorative in nature. It seeks to elevate public awareness, support survivors, and promote research and compassionate community responses without altering existing laws or authorizing expenditures. It aligns with broader efforts to reduce gun violence and improve post-violence support systems.
