Press Release  Hampshire Superior Assistant Chief Jason Patrissi is honored with Victim Rights Award

Clinton — Hampshire Superior Court Assistant Chief Probation Officer Jason Patrissi was honored with the Massachusetts Probation Service’s Victim Rights Award. Patrissi, a 13-year Probation employee, was presented with the award on Monday, April 8, at the Victim Rights Month event held at the Massachusetts Probation Service Training Academy in Clinton.

The MPS Victim Rights Month theme this year is “Honoring our Past. Creating Hope for the Future,” according to Victim Services Unit Statewide Director Corinn Nelson. Nelson said the theme “celebrates the progress made by those before us and looks to a future where services to victims and survivors are more inclusive, accessible and trauma-informed.”

Patrissi was recognized for his exemplary work on behalf of victims and survivors of crime, according to Nelson.

“We recognized Jason for his exemplary work on behalf of victims and survivors of crime. Jason has been working with victims, survivors and people who perpetuate violence for over 20 years with a concentration on domestic violence. He worked previously as a co-facilitator of Domestic Violence Abuse Education Programs and co-presented an educational curriculum with a shelter initiative taught to community members. The topics covered included healthy relationships, domestic, and sexual violence,” Nelson said. “Jason holds accountable those individuals who perpetuate domestic violence. He is compassionate and works hard to assist victims and survivors of crime with navigating the criminal justice system.”

She added, “Jason is an ally to victims, survivors and their families, positively impacting their lives every day.”

Patrissi said of his award, "It is an honor to receive this award.  It's been my experience that showing support, compassion and kindness to victims, survivors and their families can make a tremendous difference for people experiencing very difficult, traumatic and challenging times in their lives. "

Massachusetts Probation Commissioner Edward J. Dolan said, “Jason Patrissi’s efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions while assisting crime victims and survivors in navigating the Criminal Justice system epitomizes the mission of the Massachusetts Probation Service. He serves as a compassionate model for criminal justice professionals everywhere.”

Liam Lowney, Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance's (MOVA) Executive Director, served as the keynote speaker at Monday’s awards event. Lowney spoke about the importance of the Victim Bill of Rights to victims and survivors, its place in Probation work, and its hope for the future.

“It is imperative that each crime victim’s right to be informed, present, and heard is ensured throughout each stage of the criminal case involving them,” said Lowney. “Probation officers like Jason, working with the exceptional team of victim advocates, provide victims and survivors access to these essential rights and services.”

Throughout his career, Lowney has advocated for policy changes that impact crime victims, including: gun safety legislation, updates to victim compensation and assistance statute; and the human trafficking law passed in 2011. MOVA, the agency he oversees, is currently commemorating the 35th year of the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights.

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