Jennifer Dunn | 2021 National Crime Victims' Service Awards Tribute Video

JENNIFER DUNN: My job is an interesting mix of management with providing direct services to crime victims. We have a 24-hour crisis response team. We will go to the scene of the crime or really anywhere in the county, because research shows us that the sooner we get support and services to victims, the better they do in the long run. 

Victim Witness Assistance Programs like ours here in Waukesha, we exist to provide rights and services to victims of crimes as mandated by our state constitution and statutes. 

We explain the criminal justice system, we make sure that crime victims know when their case is proceeding through the court system, how they can participate, help them with financial reimbursement programs like crime victim compensation and restitution, and try to restore them financially to some stability. 

I found that I had a talent for grant writing and utilized that to create these additional programs so that we could continue to meet the needs of victims in an environment of limited resources. 

Alright, come on. Let's go say hi.

We just added a facility dog to our program in December. And Pepper the Wonder Dog has been fantastic. So if you have to testify, if you see me in the courtroom, you know Pepper is there waiting for you. I have the gift of gab.

[laughs] 

When calls go out, "Hey, there's legislation that really helps crime victims and we should support," I tend to be one of the people who will drive to Madison and show up and testify at the hearing. 

I am a huge cheerleader for victim services. I think it's the best job you can do. The more we help crime victims, the better our communities are.