BISMARCK - U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 13, 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota hosted a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Awards Ceremony to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and to recognize individuals throughout the state who provide outstanding services to victims. Victim assistance awards were presented to the following individuals:
Assistant United States Attorney Victim Assistance Award - Jonathan O’Konek, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bismarck.
Support Staff Victim Assistance Award - Vicki Thompson, Legal Assistant, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fargo.
Victim-Witness Advocate Assistance Award - Amy Jacobson, Human Trafficking Navigator, Youthworks, Bismarck.
Special Agent Victim Assistance Award - Frank Gasper, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bismarck.
State Law Enforcement Victim Assistance Award - Lt. Calise Linstrom, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Towner & Det. Dale Ackland, Jamestown Police Department, Jamestown.
Crime Victim Service Legacy Assistance Award - Paula Bosh, Victim Specialist, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Minot.
Special Courage Victim Assistance Award - Nikki Anderson, Thriver, Trained Therapeutic Arts Facilitator, Founder of Art of Hope and Healing, Plains Art Museum, Fargo.
United States Attorney Myers stated, “It is an honor to recognize these professionals who tirelessly work every day, and often into the evening, to ensure victims are safe and have a voice in the criminal justice system. These award winners are truly passionate about helping people and the recognition for their efforts is long overdue."
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of the national Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8-14, by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme-Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims-highlights how the investment of communities in crime victims expands the opportunity for victims to disclose their victimization, connect with services, and receive the support they need. The theme also acknowledges the many barriers facing victims of crime especially those with disabilities, LGBTQ victims, older adults, speakers with limited English proficiency, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and others from historically marginalized communities.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
