| For Immediate Release
March 25, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
ORANGE COUNTY DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND INVESTIGATOR RECEIVE VICTIMS’ SERVICE AWARD FOR ADVOCACY OF VICTIMS’ RIGHTS
SANTA ANA – Community Service Programs, Inc. (CSP) honored two Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) employees today for their advocacy of victims’ rights and dedication to crime victims and their families. Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Herrera and Investigator Connie Barnes received the Victims’ Service Award today, March 25, 2011, at the CSP Victim Assistance Programs Victims’ Rights Conference.
CSP is a non-profit organization that offers prevention and intervention programs in Southern California, including Victims Assistance Programs. CSP Victims Assistance Programs works in collaboration with the OCDA to provide comprehensive services to approximately 60,000 victims and witnesses, their families, and communities in Orange County each year.
“Our primary responsibility is to serve and protect the victims of crime and make sure justice is done,” said Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. “I am proud of the men and women of District Attorney’s Office, and all of those in law enforcement, who work tirelessly to protect the community, serve those harmed by crime, and defend their rights.”
Herrera received the Victims’ Service Award – Courts. “Herrera ensures that every victim is given a voice and not treated as just another number or statistic lost in the shuffle,” said CSP. “She is always receptive to answering questions and makes herself easily accessible to victims, detectives, and victim advocates.”
Barnes received the Victims’ Service Award – Law Enforcement. “Barnes works closely with victims of domestic violence to assure them that the abuse is not their fault. She has the ability to talk with these victims to help them regain some confidence and feeling of worth,” said CSP.
CSP is co-sponsoring the OCDA’s 3rd Annual Victims’ Rights March & Rally on April 14, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. at 401 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Please visit www.orangecountyda.com to view the 2011 Victims’ Rights March & Rally information and parking map.