Attorney General Eric Holder Honors Victim- Witness Coordinator for National and International Work

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Attorney General Eric Holder recognized Michelle Scott with the Federal Service Award today at the 2012 annual victims' service awards ceremony, a prelude to the nation's observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 22-28, 2012.

"This year's 12 awardees have touched, improved and even saved lives.  Perhaps most impressively, many of today's award recipients have achieved these results by transforming their own experiences into a positive force for sweeping change," said Attorney General Holder. "Every one of them deserves the commendation that is being bestowed today – not only for their remarkable contributions in responding to protecting and defending crime victims and their loved ones but also for the examples they have set for others to follow."

Michelle Scott has worked with victims of crime for the past 12 years. In response to the requirements of Title I of the Justice for All Act of 2004, for example, she led the judges and prosecutors in the Eastern District of North Carolina to place the victim at the forefront of criminal proceedings. Since 2003, she has led the biannual Federal Domestic Violence Conference in N.C.  Ms. Scott developed and implemented model victim-witness training programs in Kosovo and Albania for judges, prosecutors, victim advocates, law enforcement offices, and non-governmental agencies.  Scott received today the Federal Service Award, which recognizes service providers, other professionals, or volunteers for their exceptional contributions and extraordinary impact on behalf of crime victims in Indian Country, on military installations, in national parks, or in other areas under federal jurisdiction.

In addition to Michelle Scott, Attorney General Holder recognized the efforts of eleven other recipients for their extraordinary efforts in the aftermath of a crime, as well as their professional efforts to better serve the needs of victims with disabilities; for assisting U.S. citizens victimized outside the United States; and for ensuring victims receive compensation and other services at the state and local level.

The Office of Justice Programs, headed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary Lou Leary, provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six components: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART).  More information about OJP can be found at www.ojp.gov.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Justice Programs