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2007 National Crime Victims' Rights Week The honorees received special recognition during the awards ceremony hosted April 20, 2007, by the Office for Victims of Crime to honor victim advocates, organizations, and programs in the field of victim services.
Special Courage Award To view more details, click on a photo for an enlarged view.
Jenna Oyler Seventeen-year-old Jenna Oyler is a survivor of sexual abuse and, in the aftermath of her own victimization, has chosen to campaign for the rights of other victims of child sexual assault. Jenna was victimized by a stepparent for 7 years, starting at the age of 5. Today, she has learned what it is like to transform from victim to survivor. Jenna's approach toward healing is multifaceted: she meets with a counselor and helps other victims through public speaking. Through her public speaking, Jenna has helped countless victims find hope and comfort. In addition to Jenna's powerful voice on behalf of crime victims, she has also become a staunch youth activist. Jenna is a member of Pennsylvania Coalitions Against Rape's (PCAR) youth advisory board, RYOT (Rallying Youth Organizers Together) Against Rape. As a member of RYOT Against Rape, Jenna works with other teen activists to bring messages about the realities of sexual violence to her peers. It takes great strength to speak publicly about a traumatic event that has transpired within a person's life. Jenna has risen to the challenge by teaching others that sexual assault is an event that happens, not something that defines a person. Jenna Oyler was nominated by Delilah Rumburg, Executive Director, PCAR, Enola, Pennsylvania.
Patsy Spier On August 31, 2002, Patsy Spier was among a group of schoolteachers ambushed by sustained gunfire as they were returning from a picnic to their residences in Papua Province, Indonesia. Patsy's husband, Rick, was killed during the attack, along with two colleagues. Several others were seriously wounded, including Patsy, who suffered gunshot wounds to the back and foot and wounds from numerous pieces of shrapnel. Within a short time after the attack, the Indonesian National Police (INP) issued a report, which received widespread media attention, concluding that there was a strong possibility the attack had been perpetrated by members of the Indonesian military (TNI). At the same time, the U.S. Congress was considering resuming funding to the TNI through the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program. Patsy began flying to Washington, D.C., from her home in Colorado to lobby members of Congress and officials at the Departments of State and Defense to block the resumption of IMET funding to TNI. At the heart of her efforts was a fundamental question of justice: How could the U.S. Government resume IMET funds to the TNI if the TNI might have been responsible for the death of Americans? Throughout her dogged 4-year pursuit of justice, Patsy twice successfully lobbied Congress for action and twice obtained personal commitments from the president of Indonesia concerning the case. At every stage, Patsy's determination and perseverance helped to facilitate the successful investigation, capture, and trial of those responsible for the murders. The prosecutors only sought a 20-year sentence for Anthonius Wamang, a member of a Papuan separatist group who led the attack, so Patsy filed a letter with the court expressing her desire that a life sentence be imposed for Wamang. Her letter was so moving that it inspired the widow of the only Indonesian citizen killed in the attack to write her own letter to the court, which also asked for a life sentence for Wamang. Patsy's determination and perseverance ultimately led to the November 2006 convictions in an Indonesian court of those involved, including a life sentence for the leader of the attack. Pasty Spier was nominated by Jeffrey Taylor, U.S. Attorney, District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
Debra Puglisi Sharp On April 20, 1998, Debra Puglisi Sharp's husband was killed in their home, and his murderer abducted, assaulted, raped, and held Debra hostage in his house for more than 100 hours. On the fifth day of her abduction, while the perpetrator was at work, she was able to free herself and find her way to a phone. She called 911 despite not being able to read the numbers on the phone without her glasses. An enhanced 911 phone system in her area was able to pinpoint her location, allowing police rescue. Since the crime, Debra has not only worked to move on with her life but has dedicated herself to helping other crime victims. She actively supports Sexual Assault Network of Delaware and participates with Contact Lifeline, the local rape crisis center in Delaware. For 5 years, Debra served as the public representative of the 911 Enhancement Board, which was an appointment by Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner. Debra believes in public education and awareness, reminding citizens that they need to remain informed of Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities in their particular area in case of an emergency. Debra Puglisi Sharp was nominated by Diana David Bratton, Victim Assistance Coordinator, Greeley Police Department, Greeley, Colorado. |
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