Oregon advocates honored for their work on behalf of victims
Attorney General John Kroger today gathered with victims, advocates, members of the law enforcement community and elected officials for the annual commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Every year, the Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victims’ Services Division recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by honoring those who have fought to protect crime victims and give them a voice in the criminal justice system. The theme for 2012 is “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim.”
Shannon Sivell, DOJ’s incoming Crime Victims’ Services Director, said “DOJ’s Crime Victims’ Services Division is honored to take part in a tradition that brings a community together and promotes issues that are so important to victims of crime, their families and a society with a meaningful criminal justice system.”
Five Oregonians were honored at the ceremony for providing outstanding service to victims who come from traditionally underserved populations. These honorees exemplify the theme of “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim” through their tireless efforts to ensure that these victims of crime are informed of and supported in asserting their rights.
- Desireé Allen-Cruz, Family Violence Services Program Manager for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
- Lior Azen, Case Manager, Advocate, and Therapist at Northwest Human Services.
- Allison Elise Cleveland, Executive Director/Program Coordinator for The Gender Center, Inc. The Gender Center
- Janine Robben, J.D., First Director of The Oregon Crime Victims Law Center (OCVLC)
- Gloria Wiggins (In Memorium), Division Manager, Catholic Charities El Programa Hispano
The Department of Justice has long worked to uphold and advance crime victims’ rights. During the 2009 legislative session, DOJ proposed and the Oregon Legislature passed landmark legislation to allow crime victims to uphold their constitutional rights in a court of law. The Attorney General’s Task Force on Victims’ Rights Enforcement continues to develop legislative recommendations to further improve the protections and rights granted to victims of crime in Oregon.
Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department’s mission is to fight crime and fraud and protect crime victims, protect the environment, improve child welfare, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.
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