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Media Relations Office:
As part of National Victims’ Rights Week, Governor Janet Napolitano on Wednesday, April 13, presented Karen Sullivan, a sexual assault survivor, the “Triumph Over Tragedy Award.” The award honors victims of crime, who overcame tragedy by using tremendous courage and is using their personal experiences to change the lives of others. Ms. Sullivan is the state’s first recipient of the award. Inmates at Arizona State Prison Complexes in Tucson and Florence built the plaque as part of Arizona Department of Corrections Director Dora Schriro’s Restorative Justice Initiative. The Restorative Justice Initiative has three facets. The first is the impact of crime on victim’s class, victim focus and victim offender dialogue. "For many crime victims, it is an important message to see that inmates are engaging in activities that benefit crime victims,” said Dan Levey, Arizona Department of Corrections’ Victim Service Director. “That they are being productive with their time and are giving something back to community." Director Dora Schriro added, “The Restorative Justice Program is about inmates being accountable and accepting responsibility for their criminal conduct.” The award is made out of granite, which was donated by Creative Touch Interiors. It is approximately 5x7 inches with a tiered wooden base. The inscription reads, “This award is given in recognition of your ability and efforts to make a difference for the citizens of Arizona in spite of the circumstances you have endured.” The award will be presented annually during National Victims’ Rights Week. |
