OCSO Victim Witness Program Presents Awards to those Serving the Victims of Domestic Violence
By: Jennifer Aylor, Victim Witness Program Director, Orange County Sheriff’s Office
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October, Orange County Victim Witness presented our fourth annual Community Partner Award and Purple Ribbon Awards! Nominated individuals displayed unique qualities and went above and beyond to serve victims of domestic violence by ensuring that their needs are met as soon as possible. This year’s awards were presented as follows:
Community Partner Award: Detective C.S. Norvelle
Detective Norvelle continues to support victims in the Town of Orange in his new role. He notifies Victim Witness almost immediately when he is assigned a case where a victim could benefit from additional resources. Throughout his investigations, he keeps Victim Witness updated so we can better assist victims. Detective Norvelle is extremely thorough and vested in seeing his cases through the criminal justice system.
Purple Ribbon Awards: Investigator Erik Peterson
Investigator Peterson goes above and beyond to assist victims in his cases. He works closely with Victim Witness to make sure domestic violence survivors feel supported and are connected with needed resources. Peterson supports victims throughout the entire criminal justice process by attending court hearings and meetings with the Commonwealth’s Attorney and sharing updates with victims. Peterson’s compassion for domestic violence survivors extends far past the conclusion of a case and he enjoys hearing updates on how they are doing. Sergeant Chris Paris Going to court and seeing an offender can be stressful and scary for survivors of domestic violence. Sergeant Paris with court security, helps make things a little easier by working with Victim Witness to help victims feel safe and protected during hearings and trials. This includes arranging to have more bailiffs in the courtroom when needed and keeping an eye on things in and around the courthouse after a hearing to ensure victims feel safe leaving court. Deputy Jessalyn Robinson In her short time with the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Robinson has already made a big impact with domestic violence survivors. She takes the time to listen to victims to understand their situation and explain how she and Victim Witness can better help them. Her compassion for domestic violence survivors does not stop at the initial call for service. She often attends hearings and checks in with Victim Witness to see how the victims in her cases are doing. The Orange County Victim Witness Program is sponsored by and located in the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The program works with all law enforcement and community agencies in Orange County, including the Town of Orange Police, Town of Gordonsville Police, Lake of the Woods, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Orange County Department of Social Services, and many others. The program provides services to approximately 900 clients/year.
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