Thank you for attending the 2008 Massachusetts Victim Rights Conference-- Preventing Youth Violence: Supporting Youth, Strengthening Communities, Inspiring Hope, held on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at the State House in Boston. The day proved to be inspirational and educational on a topic that is extremely timely and in need of our increased awareness and response.
In addition to Governor Patrick, Lt. Governor Murray, and Attorney General Coakley, we privileged to hear from two inspiring speakers at the conference.
Hillario Antonio Arthurton, Jr., a 7th grader from the Mildred Academy Middle School in Mattapan, a survivor of violence and a National Campaign to Stop Violence’s “Do the Write Thing Challenge” contest finalist for his essay entitled “Violence in My Life”.
Mr. Hubie Jones who has had a long and illustrious career advocating for social justice, racial justice, and youth and community-focused anti-violence initiatives, shared his Manifesto to a rapt audience.
We are pleased to share with you the Proclamation Governor Deval Patrick issued for April to honor this month as Crime Victim Rights Month, The Proclamation is an opportunity to honor the victims, families and communities impacted by crime, and remind us all that although we have made great strides to ensure safety and dignity for victims. For more highlights please take a look at our Program Booklet.
2008 Victim Rights Conference Award Recipients:
Gerard D. Downing Leadership Award David E. Meier, Former ADA, Chief of Homicide Unit, Suffolk County DA
Criminal Justice Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy Officer David Rice, Greenfield Police Department
Volunteer Achievement Award Bonnie Lobel, The CASA Project
Community Advocate Award Stephanie DeCandia, Manager of Policy and System Advocacy, Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
Legislative Award Representative Geraldo Alicea -State Rep- 6th Worcester District
Special Recognition Award for Activism Royal Nunes, The City School
Special Recognition Award for Activism Patricia Quigley and Susan Retik Ger, Beyond the 11th
Innovations Award Michael Borr, Allied Auto Parts
Victim Advocate Award Dora Quiroz, Victim Witness Advocate, Middlesex DA’s office, Lowell
Victim Advocate Award Jan Johnson, Victim Witness Advocate, Bristol District Attorney’s Office
Access to Justice Award Vilma Lora, YWCA of Greater Lawrence
Journalism Award Laurel Sweet, Boston Herald
2008 Length of Service Awards:
Twenty Five Years of Service Elizabeth Keegan, Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Pam Friedman, Norfolk District Attorney’s Office
Twenty Years of Service Amy Law, Middle District Attorney’s Office Janice Johnson, Bristol District Attorney’s Office Deborah Fogarty, Attorney General’s Office Maureen Russell, Norfolk District Attorney’s Office Michael Glennon, Suffolk District Attorney’s Office
Fifteen Years of Service Jane Pierce, Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Thomas Perron, Bristol County District Attorney’s Office Dottie Berrios, Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Jacelyn Pichardo, Essex District Attorney’s Office Kathleen Draper, Essex District Attorney’s Office Jane Brennan, Norfolk District Attorney’s Office Sheila J. McCarthy, Hampden District Attorney’s Office Mary Marino, Hampden District Attorney’s Office Lori Roy, Northwestern District Attorney’s Office
Ten Years of Service Lynn McGovern, Plymouth District Attorney’s Office David Reback, Bristol District Attorney’s Office Cheryl Robinson, Bristol District Attorney’s Office Nikki Antonucci, Attorney General’s Office Janice Dean, Parole Board Denice Brine, Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office Joanne Szeto, Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Christine O’Connor, Parole Board Lynne Hanko, Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Lesia Schymonowsytsh, Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Kara Grant, Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Amy Snow, Essex District Attorney’s Office Nicole Moran, Suffolk District Attorney’s Office Marisela Ramirez, Suffolk District Attorney’s Office Jane Chevalier, Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Debra Kierstead, Northwestern District Attorney’s Office
Pictures from the 2008 Victim Rights Conference:
An excited crowd gathers in Gardner Auditorium at the start of the 2008 Victim Rights Conference on Preventing Youth Violence: Supporting Youth, Strengthening Communities, Inspiring Hope
Governor Deval Patrick addresses the crowd proclaiming that every day truly is Victim Rights Day.
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz prepared to honor one of many award recipients while Liam Lowney, Chief of Victim Witness Services for the Attorney General’s Office and Yoko Kato, VWA Board Member, waited to present additional awards.
Opening remarks given by Governor Patrick were well received with smiles from the audience.
Keynote speaker Hubie Jones recited his Manifesto on the importance of youth violence prevention and social justice through community collaboration.
Royal Nunes, a survivor of violence and a community activist, spoke eloquently about his personal experiences with recent community violence and the imperative need for youth to be involved in making a difference.
Hillario Antonio Arthurton, Jr., a national finalist for the Do the Write Thing Challenge, read his powerful essay entitled, “Violence in My Life.” Toni was a 7th grade student at Mildred Avenue Middle School in Mattapan at the time of the conference. Rather than speaking at the podium, Toni received some help from Attorney General Coakley to finish his essay.
Following the morning session, Toni and his family met with Governor Patrick in the Governor’s office.
Vilma Lora, the Director of Women’s Services at the YWCA of Greater Lawrence, was joined by family and friends after receiving her Access to Justice Award for her many years of service and dedication to victim rights.
