National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2012 is April 22-28 and the theme is “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim”.
The Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victims' Services Division recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week each year with a commemoration ceremony to honor individuals who advocate for victims and promote victims’ rights in Oregon. This year’s ceremony will be at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 25 at Willamette University – Montag Den – Salem.
The honorees selected this year provide 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. Desireé has worked for more than 17 years in domestic violence/sexual abuse programs, in her efforts to end violence against women. Although her early work in ending violence was within mainstream programs, her desire for that end within her Tribal community resulted in her return to her own tribe in 2002. Desireé strives for commonality in services by assisting other tribes and communities of color through direct service, technical assistance, and networking.
|
 |
Lior Azen – Case Manager, Advocate, and Therapist at Northwest Human Services. “Lior works exclusively with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community, many of whom have been exposed to trauma through criminal acts. The Deaf Community is especially vulnerable to trauma due to limited supports in the community, poverty, and a lack of understanding of the Deaf Culture.” Her advocacy for the unmet rights of her clients extends to schools, legal settings, and to those needing community supports. Lior provides unique services in a culturally sensitive manner, offering hope and strength through her skills and connections in this community. |
 |
Allison Elise Cleveland - Executive Director/Program Coordinator for The Gender Center, Inc. The Gender Center, through outreach, education, supportive resources, and anti-violence advocacy, works to create a safe and accepting society for gender and sexual minorities. “Allison is someone who inspires the advocate heart in all. Her work with survivors of violence ripples far and wide, empowering many to take back the control over their lives and to pay it forward to others in need. Allison supports survivors from various communities while working to change the systems that revictimize them. As an advocate for marginalized communities, she is always open to collaborating with diverse voices in working to end domestic and sexual violence. “ |
 |
Janine Robben, J.D. – First Director of The Oregon Crime Victims Law Center (OCVLC). The non-profit OCVLC provides crime victims with free legal representation in enforcing their rights under the Oregon Constitution, Senate Bill 233 and other state and federal sources of rights. “Janine created a remarkable body of pioneering legal work for Oregon crime victims and a strong foundation for the OCVLC’s work ahead.” During her 2 ½ years at OCVLC, Janine traveled statewide to represent crime victims whose rights had been violated, protected the rights of dozens of crime victims to meaningfully participate in the criminal cases against their offenders, set the standard for future crime victims’ attorneys and in so doing, helped make the criminal justice system a little more bearable for crime victims. |
 |
In Memorium - Gloria Wiggins – Division Manager, Catholic Charities – El Programa Hispano. El Programa Hispano’s mission is to increase self-sufficiency within the Latino community, to empower individuals to achieve a better quality of life, and to promote mutual understanding and respect among cultures. Gloria Wiggins passed away on December 1, 2011 leaving behind an extemporary legacy of dedicated service to the Latino community in Oregon. Ms. Wiggins worked tirelessly to expand and enhance El Programa Hispano’s outreach and service offerings to the diverse Latino community in Multnomah County, lobbying especially for policy changes to promote minority academic performance and to assist victims of domestic violence. In addition to her community work on behalf of the Latino community, Ms. Wiggins worked in partnership with varied diverse communities to reduce disparities based on race and ethnicity. |
For more information about the rights afforded to crime victims please visit Crime Victims' Rights or the Office for Victims of Crime.