Every year, millions of Americans are affected by crime. Many will need ongoing care, support, and resources. April 23–29 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to amplify the voices of survivors and commit to creating an environment where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed and supported. Together, all of us here today help individuals and communities find justice and forge new healing pathways. Thank you for what you do.

Sincerely,

Matthew J. Platkin
New Jersey Attorney General

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Patricia Teffenhart, Executive Director, Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance
Michael Habib, Investigator, Victims of Crime Compensation Office, Flag Salute

Remarks from Attorney General Platkin

Keynote: Kell Ramos, Filmmaker, Advocate

Trenton Central High School Band

Community Violence Panel Discussion
Moderator:
Steven Campos, Director, Office of Violence Intervention and Prevention

Panelists:
Lashawn “Shawnee” Overton, Trauma Patient Navigator, Jersey City Medical Center
John W. Fuqua, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Life Worth Living
Antonio Bellamy, Outreach Worker/Fellow, Salvation and Social Justice

Nylah Shakir, New Jersey Orators, Willingboro-Burlington Chapter
“The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman

Remarks from Deputy Director Hilton on behalf of Director Minato, Division of Criminal Justice

What Happens Now? What to Expect as a Survivor.
Moderator:
Jennifer Stonerod, AAG, Chief of Staff, Division of Criminal Justice

Panelists:
Melissa Miller, State Office of Victim Witness Advocacy
Kathi Whitman, Camden County, Victim Witness Coordinator
Pamela McCauley, Essex County, Victim Witness Coordinator
Silena Shuta, Victim Witness Coordinator, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office

Trenton Central High School Band

Presentation of Awards

Closing Remarks and Reading of the Proclamation
Ramona Peterson, Supervising Investigator, Victims of Crime Compensation Office, Read Proclamation
Patricia Teffenhart, Executive Director, Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance

Crime Victims’ Rights Award

The Crime Victims’ Rights Award reflects the 2023 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme: “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage.” This award will be presented to an individual whose actions capture the spirit of the theme –a pioneer in the victims’ rights movement, an activist who sought progress from pain, a visionary looking to further innovate, or any individual or agency striving to enhance the services provided to victims in this state.

Presented to: Co-Located Trauma Recovery Center and Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program University Hospital

Endurance Award
This award honors a Victim Witness Coordinator, advocate, and/or staff member who consistently sets the standard for excellence by going above and beyond to assist victims and prosecution teams. This award does not require decades of service but recognizes one’s perseverance in providing quality assistance to victims.

Presented to: Bobbi Mowery, Retired, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office

Gladiator Award

This award recognizes an Assistant Prosecutor or Detective who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and zeal to ensure that the criminal justice system treats victims with compassion and dignity during the prosecution process.

Presented to: Jessica Gomperts, Assistant Prosecutor, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

Ronald W. Reagan Award
This award honors President Ronald W. Reagan for his compassion, vision and commitment to crime victims’ rights. President Reagan placed victims’ rights in the forefront of the national agenda during his administration, which resulted in the creation of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Victim of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA), and countless other initiatives. This Award is presented to an individual or agency that has: 1) shown a consistent commitment to victims’ rights and services; 2) employed extraordinary efforts in the delivery of services; and 3) advocated for victims via policies, protocols, legislation and other measures.

Presented to: Joan McKenna, Founder, Women Against Rape (WAR)

The Above and Beyond Award

New this year, created by the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance, this award recognizes an individual or organization that has, outside of its primary business or professional purposes, gone above and beyond to support individuals, families, and/or communities impacted by violence, crime, and/or traumatic events.

Presented to: Seastreak

Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.799.7233

Statewide Sexual Violence Hotline: 800.601.7200

Statewide Human Trafficking Hotline: 855.363.6548

To find a Community-Based or Community-Based Violence Intervention Program, or Trauma Recovery Center visit: www.njoag.gov/viva

For more information about the State Office of Victim Witness Advocacy, visit: www.njoag.gov/resources/victim-witness-services/sovwa

For more information about the Victims of Crime Compensation Office, visit: www.njoag.gov/vcco