NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

For more information contact:
Katie Decker
(602) 542-3133

September 11, 2006

MISS ARIZONA SPEAKS TO INMATES AT ADC’S “IMPACT OF CRIME ON VICTIMS” CLASS

(Phoenix)--The Arizona Department of Corrections and Miss Arizona, Hillary Griffith, are pressing inmates to better understand the repercussions of their crimes on crime victims and Arizona communities, as part of a ten week course. Ms. Griffith, a victim of sexual assault and a member of the department’s Victims Services Advisory Committee, has made the issue her platform. The Arizona Department of Corrections established the victims’ services office and formed its Victims Services Advisory Committee in 2003 to address their concerns and advocate for substantive reform.

“Every two and a half minutes, someone in America is sexually assaulted,” says Miss Arizona. “I speak to inmates about my experiences and recovery so they can be aware of the impact. The response I get from inmates is very encouraging. I feel like I can help make a difference and it’s been especially rewarding.”

Miss Arizona is one of ten speakers who have volunteered to share their experiences directly with inmates at ASPC-Florence through the department’s Impact of Crime on Victims. ICVC is currently provided at four prisons and will be available at all 10 state prison facilities within the year. The class has been so successful, numerous inmates are on waiting lists at all four facilities.

“We are privileged to work closely with Miss Arizona on such an important topic,” says Arizona Department of Corrections Director, Dora Schriro. “We admire Ms. Griffith’s courage and we are grateful to all the victims who volunteer to tell their stories.”

When:

September 14, 2006, 6:00 p.m.

Where:

Arizona State Prison Complex – Florence
1305 E. Butte Avenue.
Florence, AZ 85232

Visuals and Interviews:

Speak with Miss Arizona and the inmate participants.

Requirements:

The journalists and/or photographers must R.S.V.P. by 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2006 in order to allow time for proper background checks and clearance. The department developed the ICVC initiative in partnership with the Victim’s Service Advisory Committee and with the assistance of the National Institute of Corrections in November of 2005. The ten week program provides opportunities for crime victim survivors to describe the impact of crime conduct on them and their families and inmates are expected to attend all sessions.