Victims For Justice announces new partnership with the Anchorage Police Department
ANCHORAGE, AK – Victims For Justice (VFJ) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) have entered into a collaboration with the goal of giving crime victims greater access to assistance directly following a violent incident.
The new approach is based on multidisciplinary models used in the lower 48 in which police officers reach out to individuals following a traumatic incident and refer to Advocates. VFJ Advocates specialize in providing information and resources, emotional and financial assistance, court accompaniment and education on the criminal justice process.
Executive Director at VFJ, Victoria Shanklin says this new victim-centered partnership will provide much-needed support to victims of violent crime. “It was clear that there was a gap in early intervention, which is a key component to assisting victims in their greatest time of need. Our hope is that this new collaboration will proactively take some of the burdens off of victims and provide support to assist Alaskans throughout the criminal justice process.”
“We frequently have contact with victims of violent crimes that have questions and need varying levels of support long after being victimized,” said Captain Sean Case with the Anchorage Police Department. “The advocates at Victims for Justice have always provided this support; however, accessing victims can be a challenge. The Anchorage Police Department wanted to be a critical link between victims and advocates. This partnership means our officers in the field will provide Advocates with contact information to those victims that want and need additional resources to assist them in overcoming their trauma.”
Since 1985, VFJ has been specializing in providing services to victims of violent crime such as arson, assault, DUI, homicide, kidnapping and robbery. VFJ Victim Advocates have over ten years of experience providing trauma-informed care as well as case management, referrals and follow-up. Given the need for services in our community, the APD-VFJ partnership is only natural.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact Communications and Development Specialist, Merissa Pimenta at mpimenta@victimsforjustice.org or 907-278-0977.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 19-25, 2020
VFJ Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2020
Contact: Merissa Pimenta
mpimenta@victimsforjustice.org
Office: 907-278-0977
Victims For Justice Celebrates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19-25th with 3 online Events: Tree Ceremony April 20th, “Long Live Leroy” documentary Premiere April 23rd and Victim Service Awards April 25th.
Anchorage, AK – The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) every April by promoting victims’ rights, and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s NCVRW will be held April 19-25th, and the theme is “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope.” Victims For Justice will celebrate the progress made by those before us as we look to a future of crime victim services that is even more inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed.
Victims For Justice will commemorate the advancement of victims’ rights and highlight issues surrounding victimization by holding the events listed below in Anchorage, Alaska.
Victims For Justice will observe NCVRW with three events:
- Live-Stream of the Tree Ceremony on Facebook April 20th at 12 PM: Opening prayer from Chaplain Diane Peterson, remarks from our Executive Director, Victoria Shanklin and the tying of 11 honorary ribbons. You may participate by joining us online. If you wish for a staff member to hang a ribbon in honor of you or a loved one please submit a request by sending an email to info@victimsforjustice.org.
- Premiere of “Long Live Leroy” documentary on April 23rd: The mother of Leroy Lawrence, Angela Pointer, shares the impact that Leroy’s homicide has on her life and family. She shares her story and raises awareness on victims’ rights and needs. You may watch the video on our website,Facebook Page or Youtube channel.
- Victim Service Awards Announcement on April 25th at 6PM: Join us while we thank those in our community who are doing amazing work. Join us on our Facebook Page or Youtube channel.
For more information, visit www.victimsforjustice.org or contact Merissa Pimenta, Development and Communications Specialist.
Mission, Assisting Alaskans affected by violent crime.
2020 Victim Service Awards Nominees
As many of you are aware, we are not able to host our annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Victim Service Awards Ceremony due to the pandemic we are facing. However, that does not mean we will not continue to honor those who have been nominated for their hard work and achievements.
Saturday, April 25th at 6 PM, we will recognize and appreciate the efforts the nominees who have gone above and beyond for the public with determination and dedication. We are not just recognizing individuals, but also organizations whom have helped those in dire need. Whether its financial resources, safety planning, crisis intervention or case management, these nominees have taken it upon themselves to ensure victims received the support they needed.
This year’s Victims Service Awards nominees are:
-Alana Marquardt -Project Assistant for Labor and Workforce Development
-Autumn Smith- Foster Advocate, Alaska Native Justice Center
-Barbara Johnson- Economist; PhD Student; Founder; Advocate; Consultant
-Butch and Cindy Moore- Director of Bree’s Law
-Capricia Cunningham- Employment and Community Support Specialist, A Yunek Touch
-Dawn Shewmaker- Victim Witness Coordinator, U.S. Attorney’s Office
-Heather Hintze- KTVA Reporter
-Jennifer Soliday- Direct Services Advocate, Standing Together Against Rape
-Laura Hill-Direct Services Manager, Standing Together Against Rape
-Legacy Jiu-Jitsu- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Academy
-Michelle Evans- Lead Victim Advocate, Victims For Justice
-My House- A homeless your Drop in center
Remember to stay tuned to our Youtube channel, website and Facebook Page where we will recognize this year’s nominees and announce award recipients at 6 PM, April 25th.
We would like to thank everyone for taking the time to observe and nominate those who deserve to be recognized for their efforts. Thank you again and stay safe.
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