HARRISBURG, Penn. -- The Coalition of Pennsylvania Crime Victim Organizations (COPVCO) today presented its annual recognition award to Pennsylvania's Victim Advocate Mary Achilles.

"We recognized Mary due to her commitment to making victims an everyday priority. Her enthusiasm and leadership truly exemplify what victims and victim service field need in an advocate," said Donna VandeMortel, COPCVO president, during the 11th annual Victims' Rights Rally in Harrisburg.

VandeMortel said Achilles' many achievements since being confirmed to the Office of the Victim Advocate in are the increase in rights and services to victims choosing to witness an execution, the development of a curriculum for the "Impact of Crime Class" program for inmates in state correctional facilities, and the creation of a mediation program for victims of violent crime.

The announcement came during the "Putting Victims First" rally, which drew more than 400 victims and advocates to the state capitol.

"Putting victims first is the responsibility of the victims' services field," said Suzanne Beck, executive director of the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley. "Every day when we come to work, victims are a priority. Whether we're lobbying on their behalf or consoling them with kind words, their feelings are at the forefront of our campaign."

Speakers at the rally included Kathryn Rush-Heim, a rape survivor whose goal is to educate the public about the impact of violent crime; Richard K. Nickle, who sustained severe injuries when he was struck by a drunken driver; and Daniel Lyster, a 15-year-old attempted homicide survivor who shared his message of hope with other children.

COPCVO is an organization dedicated to enhancing the awareness of and advocating for the rights and fair treatment of victims and witnesses of crime. It also sponsors the annual statewide rally in observance of National Victims' Rights Week. The membership of COPCVO meets throughout the year to review legislation related to victims' issues and victims' rights. The group also strives to enhance cooperative working relationships with various allied professionals who work with and interact with victims, including law enforcement, prosecutors, district justices and probation and corrections officers.

Source: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency