FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? OVC
THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2003????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 202/307-0703
ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT LEADS
NATIONAL OBSERVANCE
FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME
WASHINGTON, DC ? Attorney General John
Ashcroft today led the first national candlelight observance to honor and
remember victims of crime.? The
observance was part of the commemoration of the 23rd annual National
Crime Victims? Rights Week.?
"Tonight it is particularly
appropriate that we stand here ‑ together ‑ to remember those who
were lost, and to rededicate ourselves to seeking justice on behalf of all of
America?s victims.? For many of you, this candlelight service is an opportunity to
shine light into the darkness that crime has brought into your lives,"
Attorney General John Ashcroft said.
"I thank the dedicated work of service providers and advocates who
reach out to victims of crime and help them rebuild their lives."
The observance was sponsored by the
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), a component of the Justice Department?s
Office of Justice Programs (OJP).? OJP
Assistant Attorney General Deborah J. Daniels and OVC Director John W. Gillis
joined the Attorney General at the observance, along with Roscoe C. Howard,
Jr., United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and Congressman Steve Chabot (OH-1st District).?
At today?s observance, ten ?promise
makers? from across the nation highlighted key goals and priorities in ensuring
that crime victims needs are met and that their rights
are recognized.? In addition, Director
Gillis acknowledged eight individuals and two teams for exceptional work on
behalf of crime victims.? These people
will receive awards from the Justice Department on Saturday, April 12.?
OVC provides federal leadership in
promoting policies and practices that support victim participation in the
criminal justice system.? OVC also
supports efforts to improve services provided to crime victims and to address victim
needs.????
A list of the individuals and teams
recognized at tonight?s ceremony is attached.
More information on the 2003 National Crime Victims? Rights Week, as
well as information about OVC programs, publications and conferences, is
available through the OJP Website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov and from the OVC
Resource Center at 1-800-627-6872.
Media should contact OJP?s Office of Communications at 202/307-0703.? ??????????
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? #
# #
OVC 03038?????
After hours contact: Adam Spector,
202-307-3912
???????????????????????????????????? U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
???????????????????????????????????????????? OFFICE
OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS
???????????????????????????????????????????? OFFICE
FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME
???????????????? 2003
National Crime Victims' Rights Week Award Winners
Crime Victim Service Awards
Francis and Carole Carrington
Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation
Modesto, California
Mary Lawrence, Director
Onondaga County District Attorney?s Victim Advocate Program
Baldwinsville, New York
Joyce Nottingham Miller
Victims of Crime and Leniency
Montgomery, Alabama
Steven John Twist, Victims? Rights Advocate
Scottsdale, Arizona
Special Courage Award
Kimberly Black Wisseman, Domestic Violence Counselor
SafePlace
Austin, Texas?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Volunteer for Victims Award
Sister M. Marcian Deisenroth, RSM, Victim Advocate
Aurora, Illinois
Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services
Mel S. Johnson, Assistant United States Attorney, Eastern District of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Federal Service Award
United States Attorney?s Victim Witness Program, District of Arizona
Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona
Crime Victims Fund Award
Financial Litigation Unit, District of Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona