Multimedia List

The Franklin County (Ohio) Sheriff’s Office Therapy Dog (K9) Unit provides much needed comfort to crime victims, helping to lessen their distress, anxiety, and retraumatization, to allow healing to begin, while also reinforcing law enforcement’s commitment to protect and serve.

As Supervisory Program Manager of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Victim Witness Assistance Program, Darlene Averick is a strong advocate for victims of crime. Ms. Averick’s contributions to the victim assistance field has impacted tens of thousands of crime victims the ATF has encountered over the past 13+ years.

Angela Latoya Williams created the Mothers Against Murderers Association to minister to the needs and provide solace to families of crime victims in her area. As of the summer 2019, Ms. Williams has provided assistance to 444 mothers and families, and has been a beacon of light for her entire community.

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.

The Polyvictimization Demonstration Initiative Team conducted research leading to the development of the Polyvictimization Assessment Tool for adult clients coming to Family Justice Centers. This Tool is now contributing significantly to the Nation’s understanding of polyvictimization and how to best serve those who have suffered multiple victimizations.

The National Children’s Alliance is a nonprofit membership organization that promotes and supports communities in providing a coordinated, comprehensive response to child victims of abuse through Children’s Advocacy Centers and multidisciplinary teams. In 2009, National Children’s Alliance leadership implemented the Thriving Kids Initiative with the goal of helping child victims recover from the trauma of abuse and go on to thrive.

The Victim Assistance Program at the Fort Wayne (Indiana) Police Department was established in 1981 and is making a significant difference for victims and encouraging them that there is hope. Advocates and volunteers provide information, crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy to crime victims as they navigate the criminal justice system. Visit the OVC Gallery for more information about her work to support victims of crime.

Special Agent Ryan Woolley, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, developed a simple to use handbook to help communicate critical information to victims and families of victims throughout Oklahoma.

Fair Girls is an organization that has made significant strides in the fight against human trafficking since their founding more than 15 years ago. FAIR Girls’ goal is to deeply impact the lives of trafficking survivors by providing high-quality services that address their individualized needs, while increasing their safety, well-being, empowerment, and self-sufficiency.

Lavinia B. Masters is a victim advocate and a survivor who inspires hope wherever she goes through HOPE S.A.V.E.S. Ministries. The Lavinia Masters Act of 2019 (Texas) aims to prevent a backlog of rape kits, prohibit the premature destruction of kits, and lengthen the statutes of limitations for certain crimes.

Because of Steve Twist’s vision, zeal for assisting victims in need, and his relentless determination, crime victims across the country have meaningful and enforceable rights. Mr. Twist was the driving force behind Arizona’s crime victims’ constitutional amendment and was instrumental in the 2004 passage of the federal Crime Victims’ Rights Act.