The Significance of the Vermont Crime Victim Service Awards
As the discipline of crime victim services has grown over the years, so has the number of remarkable individuals and organizations who significantly contribute to its success. Today, the field includes countless people and programs that have, through vision, action, dedication and leadership, improved the lives of victims in the aftermath of crime.
These awards recognize victim activists who have inspired us through their acts of courage and compassion, programs or individuals whose work has been particularly innovative and pioneering, and those who exemplify the long-term commitment that characterizes many of Vermont’s victim service providers, some of whom are themselves victims of crime.
The award winners will be honored at a special ceremony the week before National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8 – 14, 2018. The ceremony is free and open to the public, and all are welcome.
Some of these awards are to be given out annually, some only when appropriate; but all awards will be solicited each year. Up to two awards can be given in a category when the Selection Committee cannot choose between candidates.
Categories for Crime Victim Service Awards
- Survivor/Activist
For a victim of crime who has taken his or her own personal experience and translated it into action or advocacy on behalf of other victims of crime.
- Community-Based Victim Advocate
For an advocate working in a community-based program who has made a significant contribution to the lives of crime victims.
- System-Based Victim Advocate
For an advocate working in a State’s Attorney’s Office, Law Enforcement, DCF, DOC, Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, or other governmental program who has made a significant contribution to the lives of crime victims.
- Youth Activist
For a person of college age or younger who has contributed to improve the treatment of crime victims (particularly of his or her peers), worked for systems change, or created an innovative project that benefits community response to violence, crime/violence prevention, or community outreach/education.
- Ally Award
For a volunteer, professional or program who, outside of the course of performing their regular duties, has advocated for a victim centered policy, implemented practices that have created significant changes for victims: specifically a person/program that has made a significant impact in support of victims, in policy revision, promotion of best practices within victim services or helping professions, crime/violence prevention; including activities that enhance offender accountability, community response to violence, and/or community outreach and education.
- Lifetime Achievement/Career Achievement/Patrissi Award
This award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to victim services over their career or lifetime and have changed the culture and practice of Vermont to be safer and more responsive to victims of crime. The recipient of this award will be clearly deserving of a place in Vermont history beside other leaders in victim services. When this honor is awarded to those who are leaving their work in victim services, it will be designated as the “Patrissi Award.”
- Legislative Award
Awards to Legislators can be given at the discretion of the Selection Committee with input from the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services.
Eligibility Guidelines
Who may be nominated?
- An individual
- A program
- A coalition, task force or collaborative
Note: Staff and Board members of the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services are not eligible to receive awards, but they can nominate.
What are the qualifications for nominees?
- Victims of crime, professionals or volunteers in either direct victim services or allied professions, or community members.
- Demonstration of innovation, excellence and/or commitment in providing services to victims of crime.
Other selection criteria:
- Nominee has demonstrated creativity in their actions on behalf of victims.
- The nomination or letter of support was submitted by a victim/survivor.
- More than one person nominated the candidate.
- Writing skills of the nominator are not to be considered as a factor in the decision.
Selection committee will try to select award winners who have made a positive impact on a variety of types of crimes, such as homicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, child victimization, working with underserved victims, hate crimes, assault, property crime, DUI, and arson.
For more information:
Call Andrea Van Liew, Director, Community Engagement & Training Department
Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services
(802) 241-1250, ext. 113
Email: andrea.vanliew@ccvs.vermont.gov
Toll free (800) 750-1213 (Vermont only)
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