U.S. Attorney Gorman recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with Seattle event and Victim Services Award

Press Release

Week highlights work of victim services providers at federal, state, and local level

Seattle - This year the theme of National Crime Victims' Rights Week is "How Would You Help: Options, Services, and Hope for Crime Survivors." U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman joined a panel at Seattle City Hall to discuss the work of our Victim Witness Unit to assist those who are impacted by federal crimes.

"Whether it is making sure a victim of sexual assault is supported while they confront their assailant in court, or ensuring a victim of a financial crime has the opportunity to seek restitution, our victim witness staff put people first," said U.S. Attorney Gorman. "They are on the front lines of law enforcement, helping victims pick-up the pieces and move forward after devastating events. It is difficult work, and I salute those who are devoted to helping others, this week, and every week."

U.S. Attorney Gorman was joined by King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion, the Supervisor of the Seattle City Attorney's Office Domestic

Violence Unit Lorna Staten-Sylvester, Washington State Senate Majority Leader Manka Dhingra, and Sexual Violence Law Center Director Riddhi Mukhopadhyay.

The panelists discussed how victim services and advocacy have evolved over the last several years. U.S. Attorney Gorman highlighted efforts to get restitution for victims of crimes through our Financial Litigation Unit. Additionally, U.S. Attorney Gorman noted how our office collaborates with community-based victim support groups, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and the City Attorney's Office through organizations such as the anti-human trafficking group WashACT.

This year, for the first time, the U.S. Attorney's Office is making Awards of Excellence to law enforcement partners who have made great contributions to our work and our district. The Victim Witness 2024 Excellence Award is being presented to National Park Service Special Agent Susannah (Sanny) Lustig. Special Agent Lustig is credited with "revolutionizing how the National Park Service responds to victims." In fact, Special Agent Lustig has an additional role with the National Park Service as the Victim Assistance Program Manager. She is a Child Forensic interviewer and assists other law enforcement agencies in this role. The U.S. Attorney's Office Victim Witness Unit noted that Agent Lustig does a top-notch job of supporting victims and trains others in the National Park Service on best practices for assisting victims. The award cites two federal cases where Agent Lustig was especially effective in victim support: U.S. v. Turrey and U.S. v. Chapman.

The award for Lustig and for other law enforcement officers will be presented next month.

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Updated April 26, 2024