Victim Witness Recognizes Those Combating Domestic Violence in Orange County
By: Jennifer Hayes, Victim Witness Program Director, Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office
October is recognized nationwide as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It evolved from the "Day of Unity" in October 1981 conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. In 1989, Congress passed Public Law designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since.
Victim Witness personnel with award recipients, pictured L to R: Inv. Beale, Sgt. Neal, Mrs. Ramsey, Ms. Hayes, Deputy Gelbert, Ms. Rudisill
To help spread awareness and recognize those working to combat domestic violence locally, Orange County Victim Witness organized the first annual Community Partner and Purple Ribbon awards, and presented them to recipients at the October 24 Board of Supervisors Meeting. Four individuals were recognized during this meeting.
Purple Ribbon Awards:
Mollie Rudisill - Mollie is a Family Services Specialist IV and is assigned to the Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) Permanency Unit. She is passionate about helping victims of domestic violence, and consistently connects them to services. She goes above and beyond and provides support after hours in the midst of a domestic violence episode. In many instances victims have returned to unsafe situations, but she continues to provide information, referrals, and supports. Investigator Adrienne Beale - Investigator Beale works very closely with child victims in the Town of Orange. Beale goes out of her way to follow up with all the victims of her cases and keep in touch with the children that she works closely with. Beale works tirelessly with the prosecutors and victim witness to ensure that the cases are taken to court and the victims get justice for the offenses. Sergeant Justin Neal - Sergeant Neal is committed to ensuring the safety of victims and other first responders. He always ensures that victims are cared for medically if needed and connected to services as soon as possible. Studies show that a victim will call law enforcement and even attempt to leave on average 7 times. Neal is not judgmental of a victim regardless of their decisions. Neal is patient and will routinely make calls for resources while on scene.
Community Partner Award:
Deputy Boyce Gilbert - Deputy Gilbert has been with Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office for just under 2 years. In that time he has been committed to asking questions and learning about domestic violence and how we can all work together to keep victims safe. Strangulation is unfortunately all too common in domestic violence cases. Gilbert takes notice, asks questions, documents evidence and doesn ’ t shy away from this charge which is highly important considering a study that showed women who were strangled and survived were nearly 7½ times more likely to later be a victim of homicide. He understands the importance of early intervention and the need for offender accountability. Domestic violence is easy to ignore if not visible. If you suspect or are a victim of domestic violence, contact the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 1200, Orange County Social Services at (540) 672 - 6166, or Orange County Victim Witness (540) 661 - 5327 for assistance.
Page 17 | November 2023
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