Alexandra Ruth Gelber

Alexandra Ruth Gelber | Crime Victims Financial Restoration Award
Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, U.S. Department of Justice
Washington, DC

Alexandra Ruth Gelber, Deputy Chief for Policy and Legislation with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, is recognized for her extraordinary work and leadership in championing the enactment of the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018. 

Ms. Gelber wrote the proposal on which this critically important legislation for victims of child sexual abuse material was based and worked tirelessly with key stakeholders for more than nine years, through three Congressional sessions, to enact the legislation. Introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch (Utah), this legislation provides alternatives to child pornography victims seeking restitution by enabling them to obtain monetary assistance from a fund containing special assessments paid by defendants. It restores choice to child pornography victims, by allowing them the option of obtaining a lump sum $35,000 in defined monetary assistance, or continuing to seek restitution on a case-by-case basis (in multiple amounts from multiple jurisdictions). 

Working with U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country on the investigation and prosecution of federal child sexual exploitation crimes, Ms. Gelber saw firsthand the need for clearly defined financial assistance for these victims who may suffer for a lifetime, as their images may be in continued circulation for years to come. This legislation not only benefits victims directly, but it holds perpetrators accountable for their actions. 

For years to come, Ms. Gelber’s work will undoubtedly help victims of child pornography suffer a bit less—and secure financial restoration for the crimes committed against them—to aid in their recovery.