A Big Thanks to All for Making National Crime Rights Week a Success

The Crime Victims Assistance Association of Arkansas (CVAAA) sponsored the Arkansas Recognition and Victims’ Rights Ceremony held on April 13th at Heifer Village and a Candlelight Vigil held at Allsopp Park in Little Rock, Arkansas. Both events were sponsored in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Thanks to all who worked so hard to make both events very meaningful experiences.

The ceremonies both served to remind us of the reason that this work is so important.

Congratulations to those who received recognition for their hard work:

Crime Victim Advocate of the Year Award – from the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board given to:
Gina Knight, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, 2nd Judicial District
Charlene James, Victim Advocate, North Little Rock Police Department

David Barnett Award – from the 6th Judicial District given in honor and memory of Ms. Rita Barnett with David’s brother Phillip Barnett representing the family.
(Sadly, Ms. Barnett passed away since the last CVRW ceremony.)

ACASA Visionary Award from the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Matt Smith, Attorney, ACASA Board Member

Parents of Murdered Children Award – given to:
Tammy Seger, Volunteer of the Year
Lakesia Smith, Volunteer of the Year

George W. Hatch Victims Memorial Award from MADD
Michelle Howard Lee, Wife and Mother of Victims: Dusty, Caleb and Dawsen
Courtney Porter, Victim Survivor

Justice For Victims Award from the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association given to:
Lindsey Shelton, Victim Assistance Coordinator, 15th Judicial District
Natalie Terry, Victim Assistance Coordinator, 22nd Judicial District

Justice For All Award from the Crime Victims with Disabilities Project at Partners for Inclusive Communities-UA
Ginger Kimes, Attorney, Arkansas Prosecutor Coordinators Office

CVAAA Award from the Crime Victims Assistance Association of Arkansas given to:
Monie Johnson, Executive Director, Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault

We also are grateful to those who submitted entries to the art contest and especially to Maddie Robinson for once again submitting the winning entry and providing an inspirational image and inspiring words.

Artwork by Maddie Robinson depicting survivors of crime

Thanks also to all who attended both events a special thanks to those who shared their stories and information about how we can all work together to build trust and restore hope.

Thanks also to Fox 16 for this coverage.

VIDEO: Vigil for Survivors of Crime, Injustice