by Madeline Janicki
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen victim advocacy resources, the Office of the Attorney General will recognize its first-ever Distinguished Service Award winner during the Victims Assistance Conference in Frankfort this week.
Marlene Zimmerman is a victim advocate with the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office of Domestic Violence and will be recognized for “her tireless commitment, distinguished service and significant contribution to protecting victims’ rights to justice, and improving the treatment of crime victims over the past 23 years.”
The conference, where Zimmerman will accept her award, is being hosted by the Attorney General’s Office of Victims Advocacy on Tuesday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 14. It will offer training to victim advocates, survivor leaders, prosecutors, law enforcement and other allied professionals.
Furthermore, the Attorney General and his Office of Victims Advocacy have announced the creation of a statewide map to help connect victims with the resources to help them.
“We are focused on empowering victims of crime, including advancing victim-centered services, trainings and policy, and raising awareness,” Beshear said in a statement. “This map will guide survivors and their families to the appropriate agency in their county or region.”
The map includes local and regional prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. Beshear believes that providing people with information about their rights, as well as access to advocacy may help victims in their healing and pursuit of justice.
