On Friday, during the annual National Crime victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., Attorney General Sessions recognized Shawn Partridge, director of the Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, with the National Crime Victim Service Award. The Department of Justice bestows this honor to individuals or programs for exceptional service to victims of crime.
“Survivors in American Indian and Alaska native communities have unique needs, and Shawn Partridge has dedicated her career to serving them, “ Attorney General Sessions said. “Her innovative approach to supportive services has expanded access to specialized populations, including teens and children impacted by dating and sexual violence. I am grateful for her passion and applaud her courage."
United States Attorney Trent Shores also commended Shawn Partridge, “I am proud that an Oklahoman has been celebrated nationally by the Department of Justice. I know that Ms. Partridge’s programs at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation offer comfort and security for domestic violence victims facing difficult life-changing decisions. Victims in the Northern District of Oklahoma are safer because of Ms. Partridge’s dedication."
FVPP provides support services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and other violent crimes in the Muscogee (Creek) community. Under Partridge’s leadership, the FVPP has expanded services, including the creation of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program.
Partridge’s work also includes the development of Warriors Honor Women, a movement led by Muscogee men to end violence against women and children. Her efforts promoting the reauthorization of the 2013 Violence Against Women Act helped to restore tribes’ authority to hold accountable non-American Indian/Alaska and Native individuals who commit domestic violence on tribal lands.
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime. More information about Crime Victims’ Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
