(Phoenix, Arizona) - Today marks the beginning of National Crime Victim’s Rights Week across our country. The theme this year: Rights, Access, and Equity for all Victims. In Arizona, the 2022 Arizona Crime Victim’s Rights Week celebrated the work of victim advocates at a virtual recognition event. Seven awards recognizing the hard of agencies, prosecutors, victim’s advocates, and community leaders were presented during today’s presentation and two MCAO employees were recognized.

Julie Done, Crime Victims’ Rights Legacy Award - Legacy of Justice: This award is handed to an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to upholding fairness, justice, and due process for victims in the criminal justice system. Julie Done joined the office in 2019 and currently serves in the Capital Litigation Bureau.  Unlike the typical work associated with being a prosecutor, Julie’s position doesn’t involve taking cases to trial.  Instead, her duties are instrumental in making sure that a conviction and sentence imposed on a defendant are not overturned.  At the core of her work, Julie’s focus is that cases going to trial are done correctly, for the rights reason, with justice at the forefront for both the defendant and the victim. 

Shawn Cox, Distinguished Service Award for Leadership: This award recognized Shawn’s outstanding contributions to victims and her tireless efforts on their behalf. Shawn Cox joined MCAO in 2015 as Chief of the Victim Services Division. Shawn has spearheaded many efforts for the Office during her tenure. Her dedication to victims’ rights is to be celebrated.