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| Pennsylvania Governor's Office of Victim Advocate Wins National Award |
| By PRNewswire |
| Published: 10/01/2001 |
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On behalf of Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge, Victim Advocate Mary Achilles last month accepted a prestigious award from the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), honoring Pennsylvania as a national leader in seeking justice for victims of crime. 'During his 1994 gubernatorial campaign, Gov. Ridge promised to give crime victims a voice every step of the way in the criminal- and juvenile-justice systems,'' Achilles said. 'One of his most significant moves was the creation of the nation's first Office of the Victim Advocate. I am proud to have accepted this award on the Governor's behalf, and thank him for his work on behalf of Pennsylvania's crime victims.'' One of the key achievements of Gov. Ridge's 1995 Special Session on Crime, the Office of the Victim Advocate represents the rights and interests of crime victims before the Department of Correction and the Board of Probation and Parole. Its primary responsibilities are to notify victims when an offender is eligible for release from prison or parole; to help victims craft oral or written impact statements to be given to the decision-making board; and to notify victims of the final decision. Achilles, who has served as Victim Advocate since 1995, also has the legislative authority to petition the parole board to deny an offender parole or to set conditions of parole. 'Thanks to Gov. Ridge, victims are now at the table when it comes to decisions about corrections and parole issues,'' Achilles said. 'That empowerment goes a long way toward their recovery and regaining a sense of control in their lives.'' In receiving the award, known as the Tandini Bacigalupi Program Award, the Office of Victim Advocate was cited for its pioneering work on behalf of victims in the post-sentencing process, including input and notification services; mediation for victims of violent crime; support services to victims choosing to witness an execution; and work in the area of restorative justice. |
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