Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04/12/05

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Greg Jacobs

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

CHAMPION OF COURAGE AWARDS PRESENTED AT
NATIONAL CRIME VICTIM RIGHTS LUNCHEON

Champion of Courage awards were presented at the 25th National Crime Victims’ Rights luncheon which was held yesterday at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel in Santa Rosa. The Sonoma County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Center held the luncheon honoring victims of crime and recognizing those individuals who provide extraordinary services to those impacted by crime. The 25th anniversary of the National event was started by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 to heighten the sensitivity of crime victim issues. The theme is “Justice isn’t served until all victims are.”

“Those impacted by crime deserve the strong support of family, friends, and service providers to help them become survivors,” said District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua. Supervisor Mike Kerns presented two proclamations from the Board of Supervisors and the Governor. The keynote speaker was Vincent Maggio who shared his courageous story of losing both of his legs to a hit and run collision as he stood outside his work truck; the driver who had been drinking alcohol fled the scene; the incident occurred in August of 2001 in Riverside County.

Champion of Courage Awards were presented as follows: the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition for the their advocacy work in helping the families of victims of who were killed by drunk drivers; the California Highway Patrol for their outstanding investigation in drunk driving crashes; Joanne Keyston for her volunteer efforts and advocacy for victims of elder abuse; Sandra Cardenas for her domestic violence advocacy work and outreach to the Latino community; and two courageous survivors of crime awards were presented to a victim of domestic violence and a victim of a sexual assault. The victim of the sexual assault, who suffers from down sydrome, participated in a special dance with her mother.

This event was sponsored by the District Attorney’s Office, the Sonoma County Chiefs Association, the YWCA, United Against Sexual Assault, and the Million Mom March. On Wednesday, April 13, a special bell ringing and candle vigil honoring victims of crime will be held at 6 p.m. at the main courthouse at the Halls of Justice in Santa Rosa. This ceremony is open to the public.