OCVLC Receives Voices for Justice Award!

Today, the Oregon Crime Victims Law Center (OCVLC) announced it is the recipient of the inaugural Voices for Justice Award. The National Crime Victim Law Institute’s Voices for Justice Award recognizes individuals and organizations in Oregon who fight to ensure that victims' voices are heard in the justice system. 

When receiving the news about the award, OCVLC Legal Director Rosemary Brewer said “OCVLC is honored to accept the Inaugural Voices for Justice Award. We strive to provide effective legal representation to crime victims throughout Oregon, to give victims a voice in the criminal justice process, and to provide support and assistance to those who find themselves in terrible circumstances. Protecting the rights of victims gives us all a more balanced legal system, and we are grateful to be recognized for our work.”

Founded in 2009 by prominent activists in the area of crime victims’ rights, including former Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers, OCVLC is a Portland-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for crime victims to ensure their independent voices are heard and their legal rights are protected. In its five years of operations, OCVLC has provided free direct services to approximately 600 crime victims throughout Oregon. OCVLC has also helped raise awareness and understanding of crime victims’ rights by educating criminal justice professionals and community members and by promoting legislation geared toward keeping victims safe and creating a more equitable justice system.

The award will be formally presented at the National Crime Victim Law Institute’s Voices for Justice Reception and Award Ceremony. This event will be held tonight in Downtown Portland, and will feature Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum as the guest speaker and former Chief Justice Paul De Muniz as the emcee. Representing OCVLC will be members of its Board of Directors including President and Founder Steve Doell, Vice-President Shirley Didier, Secretary, Treasurer and Founder Erin K. Olson, Former President and Founder Hardy Myers, Member and Founder John Stein, and Member Peter Glazer. Also in attendance will be all three OCVLC staff members: Legal Director Rosemary Brewer, Administrative Director Cristina Damiani, and Staff Attorney Melanie Kebler.