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...so this year's theme is 'the power of our voices' the power of our voices... and it really
is fitting that Patricia gets this award because I've met very few individuals
who have a tremendously powerful voice when they speak and Patricia is one of
them
if you've had the opportunity of hearing Patricia speak which I have, the room
becomes hauntingly quiet and the message becomes loud and clear and it
resonates. But i can tell you those who do become advocates, those who become
champions, become the loudest and the strongest and they move hearts and minds,
and that is Patricia in a nutshell.
I just want to say thank you also to all of those that are involved in
victim service, the roles that you play are so crucial in helping those who are
in need, and without you
I can tell you the world would not be a good place, so thank you for all the work
that you do and thank you for being here today for this (sounds of applause)
Patricia i'm going to give you this award and it is the 'Leading the Path' Award...
and it really understates the amazing work that you have done and the impact
of you have had
it's the least that we can do but there is nobody that there is
better deserving than you to have this award,
... so thank you so much for all that you do, and please accept this
award (sounds of applause)
it's so important for the victims and survivors to move beyond their
victimization... speaking out and telling their stories is cathartic for them and
it's inspiring for others. While all victims of crime define their experiences
differently
their victimization should not define them.
So thank you for this award, it is very much appreciated and it will serve to remind
me that perhaps i have done a little to fulfill the promise I made to Stephanie
in my darkest days, that if I ever made it back into the light
I would dedicate my life to helping others to ensure that her tragic death
was not in vain
thank you
(sounds of applause)
it was very humbling to win this award particularly because it was my ex-
coworkers and for them to think of me and and to give me the award is very
very special.
I think there's been a lot of progress made
and how... the focus on victims and how
people realize that they have very sometimes very difficult situations a
lot of needs
I think it's been too offender-focused in the past and we just need to sort of
balance the scales so that it
...(coughing) sorry... so that it's at least even
and that's what we're working towards
(music)