Mercer Times

The Department of Law and Public Safety is set to host an event to honor crime victims and those who support them as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The event, organized by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA), and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), aims to recognize the individuals and organizations dedicated to assisting survivors on their journey to healing.

Attorney General Platkin emphasized the importance of supporting victims of crime, stating, “The aftermath of violent crime can be devastating for victims, their loved ones, and their communities. We have a duty to help those who have been impacted by violence and to help them find a path to healing.” The event, scheduled for April 26, 2024, will feature conversations on survivor-centered, trauma-informed policies and practices, as well as an awards ceremony honoring those who support victims and survivors.

Patricia Teffenhart, Executive Director of VIVA, highlighted the significance of Crime Victims’ Rights Week, stating, “While we work to center victims and survivors in our work on a daily basis, Crime Victims’ Rights Week offers an opportunity to ask ‘What else can we do to support someone who’s experienced harm?’” The program will showcase advancements in survivor-centered and trauma-informed policies, programs, and procedures, followed by a celebration of dedicated individuals supporting victims and survivors.

J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, expressed gratitude to law enforcement professionals for their commitment to supporting and honoring crime survivors, stating, “Crime Victims’ Rights Week spotlights one of law enforcement’s most important obligations: supporting and honoring the survivors of crime.”

The event will also feature the presentation of the 2024 OAG Excellence Awards for Victims’ Justice, honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting victims. Among the awardees is Vidalia Acevedo, a Domestic Violence Advocate at the Women’s Rights Information Center, recognized for her innovative and compassionate approach to assisting survivors of domestic violence.

Other awardees include Theresa Hilton, Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Director at the NJ Division of Criminal Justice; Toni Pretlow, Trauma Outreach Specialist at Capital Health; Sean Thom, Founder and Executive Director of Our Future First; and Patricia Hayek, Director of Victim Services at the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

The event underscores the commitment of the Department of Law and Public Safety, through VIVA, to providing comprehensive victim assistance and violence intervention services. VIVA works collaboratively with the Division of Criminal Justice to enhance the state’s response to violence and crime, ensuring that victims receive the support they need to heal and seek justice.