Victims, advocates honored at Crime Victims’ Rights Week award ceremony

PHOENIX — Arizona marked the 45th anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by honoring survivors of violent crime and those who advocate for them across the state.

The Arizona Crime Victims’ Rights Awards ceremony was held Tuesday at Phoenix College.

“For many victims, entering the criminal justice system is overwhelming and unfamiliar,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said during the ceremony. “They are often experiencing one of the most difficult moments or losses of their lives, yet they’re being asked to participate in a process that requires patience, strength and trust.”

Legacy of Courage Award

Mitchell presented the Legacy of Courage Award to Alex Rodriguez, who lost his younger sister to abuse when he was 5 years old.

Due to his age, Rodriguez could not fully grasp what had happened at the time. Years later, he found the strength to testify about the abuse.

“At nearly 15 years old, he agreed to testify in court against his father,” Mitchell said. “To relive trauma, face questioning and share painful memories in front of a courtroom.”

Mitchell explained how Rodriguez endured the difficult process required to hold his father accountable.

“He took the stand with composure and respect,” she said. “He endured cross-examination, had his credibility challenged and still spoke the truth.”

Mitchell added his willingness to stand up for his sister reflected courage far beyond his years, and allowed the jury to hear the truth and deliver justice on her behalf.

Triumph Over Tragedy Award

April Barbosa, a mother who turned her grief into advocacy, received the Triumph Over Tragedy Award.

Barbosa lost her 18-year-old daughter, Rosaura, to domestic violence.

“April experienced the unthinkable loss of her daughter at the hands of her intimate partner,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said while presenting the award.

Following the loss, Barbosa founded Rosaura’s Legacy, an organization that provides peer support to survivors of domestic violence.

“This tragic loss spurred her to action,” Hobbs said. “Knowing the stigma around domestic violence can prevent young, vulnerable people from recognizing when they are in dangerous situations.”

Barbosa is now pursuing a degree in nonprofit management to help ensure Rosaura’s Legacy remains sustainable and effective.

Victim Advocate Awards

Several individuals and organizations were also recognized for their work supporting victims:

• Strength Through Service Award: Cecilia Frederico, Yuma County Attorney’s Office Victim Services Division, for managing the Victim Compensation Program.
• Legacy of Compassion Award: Melissa Molina, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, for courtroom advocacy and victim support.
• Service Coordination Award: Danielle Poteet, a sexual assault nurse examiner with Summit Healthcare in Show Low.
• Public Policy Award: Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
• Innovative Practices Award: Special Agent Heidi Chance, for law enforcement work involving sex trafficking and undercover operations.
• Leadership Award: Kristin Flores, director of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office of Victim Services.
• Advocacy and Direct Services Award: Donza Erickson, crime victim services coordinator with the Bullhead City Prosecutor’s Office.
• Courage in Action Award: “Phones Down, Just Drive” co-founders Deborah Garcia and Julie Festerling. Garcia lost her son, Paul, in a distracted driving crash, and Festerling lost her daughter.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, a professor at Arizona State University’s School of Social Work and founder of the ASU Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research.

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