INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller looks to recognize outstanding victim advocates across the state through the second annual Hoosier Hearts Award for Distinguished Advocacy.
Zoeller said as October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month it’s important to highlight advocates’ behind-the-scenes efforts that give confidence and voices to crime victim survivors. Advocates can nominate their peers by visiting www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/hoosierhearts/ and must submit the form by Dec. 31.
“Advocates and volunteers work tirelessly, and often without recognition, to listen and help victims’ whose voices might otherwise go unheard,†Zoeller said. “It is the hope of my office that the Hoosier Hearts Award continues to underscore advocates’ outstanding efforts and help to encourage others to serve in their communities.â€
The Attorney General created three award categories to help recognize shelter volunteers and staff on an annual basis:
Career Advocate: This individual has made a career-long commitment to helping victims and advocacy for sexual assault victims and their families; Volunteer Advocate: As advocacy centers often have limited resources, an outstanding volunteer demonstrates a strong commitment to helping with everyday tasks which range from sorting donations to even some victim assistance; and Rookie of the Year: A new advocate to the field can bring different ideas, a refreshing perspective to a career of service or can go above and beyond to help those in need.
In April, the Hoosier Hearts Awards were presented to Heather Woloshen, Career Advocate; and Bill Rothrock Volunteer Advocate. Both award recipients work for the Hoosier Hills Prisoners and Community Together (PACT) which service area includes Washington, Orange, Harrison, Crawford, Scott and Lawrence counties.
Zoeller said winners will be announced during a formal ceremony in the spring at the Indiana Statehouse during National Crime Victim’s Rights Week.
