Victims of crime in Maricopa County have a reason to feel a bit more seen and heard after the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office's Victim Services Division (VSD) scooped up a national honor. The Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy was bestowed upon the division, a testament to their unwavering support for those blindsided by criminal acts. Announced last week, the recognition comes from the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, which sought to actively acknowledge the group’s substantial aid to crime survivors, according to a news release.
Championing the rights and needs of victims, the VSD was lauded to specifically note their creation of an online portal—a tool to directly inform and to consistently keep victims in the know about the status of their cases through the criminal justice system's labyrinth. This past year, the division has decidedly worked with more than 21,000 victims, establishing an impressive 1.5 million contacts, ranging from court preparation to the complexities of navigating pre-sentencing reports, according to Maricopa County's website.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed pride in the team's accomplishments, explaining, “Our advocates empower victims every day and help them through the worst kinds of situations.” She further stated, "This national recognition affirms what many in our office already know: our Victim Services Division is a leader in victim advocacy. It achieves that leadership by placing victims’ needs first, and meeting people wherever they are on their journey."
It was none other than Congresswoman Debbie Lesko who nominated the division for the award, praising their commitment and dedication. “It was an honor to nominate the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office’s Victim Services Division for this well-deserved award. The men and women who serve Arizona crime victims do exemplary work, and they go to incredible lengths to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens,” she told the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Her support underscored the innovative efforts made by the MCAO to, not just meet, but to fully exceed the expectations associated with victim assistance.
The Ed Stout Memorial Award bears the name of a former advocate for victims' rights, underlining the gravity and impact of such recognition. It serves as a beacon for innovation in victim services, highlighting those who push for better program development, public policy, community awareness, and inter-agency collaboration. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office’s Victim Services Division now proudly joins the ranks of those who have set a higher standard for supporting crime victims.
