The award goes to individuals whose leadership, vision and innovation have led to significant changes in public policy and practice that benefit crime victims. She was honored during the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Scalzo provided technical assistance and training to prosecutors to elevate their awareness of and commitment to the rights of victims. At the time of her death, she was the Deputy Director of the Trial Assistance Program of the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps where she served as the Navy’s expert on sexual assault prosecution. Her innovative practices have been widely adopted throughout the criminal justice system. Scalzo’s mother and brother accepted the award on her behalf.
“Although her death came much too early, Ms. Scalzo filled more than one lifetime with good works, laboring tirelessly to hold offenders accountable and secure for victims the justice they deserve,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Alan R. Hanson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her for her outstanding service and for her unflagging pursuit of justice on behalf of the injured and aggrieved.”
During the ceremony, the Justice Department also recognized 11 other individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of crime victims. Awardees were selected from public nominations in nine categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy and victim services.
The Department’s Office for Victims of Crime leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, calling for greater sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims. This year’s observance takes place April 2-8, with the theme Strength. Resilience. Justice.
The Office of Justice Programs, headed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Alan R. Hanson, provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control
crime, administer justice and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
