Organization Against Domestic Violence Recognize Outstanding Attorneys
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
- Organization: Montana Coalition Againist Domestic and Sexual Violence
The Montana Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, Montana Attorney General's Office, and State Bar Association of Montana are pleased this year, for the first time, to recognize two Montana prosecutors for their contributions to ending domestic and sexual violence in Montana.
Judy Wang, Missoula Assistant City Attorney, was recently chosen by representatives of the three organizations to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring more than 17 years as a prosecutor committed to ending intimate partner violence. Mineral County Attorney M. Shaun Donovan was selected as 2004 Outstanding Prosecutor, in recognition of his commitment and professionalism in prosecuting domestic and sexual violence cases.
The awards acknowledge outstanding service to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and exemplary efforts to eradicate violence in one's community. Individuals were nominated for Outstanding Prosecutor by their colleagues, based on collaboration with law enforcement and victim services, high standards for victims' rights and demonstration of understanding and skill in holding abusers accountable.
Domestic and sexual violence cases present many challenges to prosecution. Intimate partner violence was not specifically recognized in Montana law until 1985, and victims often recant their stories due to fear or are unable to compromise their safety by testifying against an abuser. The Montana Attorney General's Office and two statewide membership organizations chose to co-sponsor special awards for prosecutors this year to commend attorneys for their strong commitment to holding offenders accountable through arrest and prosecution, and for demonstrating a keen understanding of the critical role the criminal justice system plays in keeping families safe.
Wang began working as a prosecutor with the Missoula City Attorney's Office in 1986. She was a founding member of the Missoula Family Violence Council in the mid-1980s, and served as its chairperson for more than a decade. In the 1990s, Wang also spearheaded efforts to create a pro bono attorney program to provide representation for victims of domestic violence seeking civil orders of protection. She has had an active hand in crafting much of Montana's domestic violence legislation.
"She's always been very conscientious about serving and protecting the victims of these assaults," said Missoula City Attorney Jim Nugent. "She's been outstanding not only in working with us, but in serving the community."
Wang oversees about 800 partner-family member assault cases a year, working in collaboration with the Missoula City/County Crime Victim Advocate Program, YWCA of Missoula and local law enforcement. She is currently a member of the state's Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team and St. Patrick Hospital's First STEP Crisis Response Team, which supports victims of sexual assault.
M. Shaun Donovan, 2004 Outstanding Prosecutor, was sworn in as Mineral County Attorney in 1979. Nominated by Mineral County Justice Court Judge Wanda James, among others, Donovan was commended for his commitment to prosecute all domestic violence charges, willingness to utilize innovative prosecution techniques and collaborate with law enforcement. His approach is "well-balanced, compassionate and professional," according to James.
In addition, Donovan is honored for his exemplary service to victims of crime. He helped start the Mineral County Help Line in 1991, a 24-hour crisis hotline for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Donovan drafted the articles of incorporation for the all-volunteer crisis counseling, shelter and victim advocacy services. He currently trains crisis line volunteers and has taken a public stance against domestic violence by speaking at many community events.
The Lifetime Achievement Award and 2004 Outstanding Prosecutor Award will be presented by Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath on Friday, July 9 at the Montana County Attorneys' Association meeting in Polson.
Judy Wang, Missoula Assistant City Attorney, was recently chosen by representatives of the three organizations to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring more than 17 years as a prosecutor committed to ending intimate partner violence. Mineral County Attorney M. Shaun Donovan was selected as 2004 Outstanding Prosecutor, in recognition of his commitment and professionalism in prosecuting domestic and sexual violence cases.
The awards acknowledge outstanding service to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and exemplary efforts to eradicate violence in one's community. Individuals were nominated for Outstanding Prosecutor by their colleagues, based on collaboration with law enforcement and victim services, high standards for victims' rights and demonstration of understanding and skill in holding abusers accountable.
Domestic and sexual violence cases present many challenges to prosecution. Intimate partner violence was not specifically recognized in Montana law until 1985, and victims often recant their stories due to fear or are unable to compromise their safety by testifying against an abuser. The Montana Attorney General's Office and two statewide membership organizations chose to co-sponsor special awards for prosecutors this year to commend attorneys for their strong commitment to holding offenders accountable through arrest and prosecution, and for demonstrating a keen understanding of the critical role the criminal justice system plays in keeping families safe.
Wang began working as a prosecutor with the Missoula City Attorney's Office in 1986. She was a founding member of the Missoula Family Violence Council in the mid-1980s, and served as its chairperson for more than a decade. In the 1990s, Wang also spearheaded efforts to create a pro bono attorney program to provide representation for victims of domestic violence seeking civil orders of protection. She has had an active hand in crafting much of Montana's domestic violence legislation.
"She's always been very conscientious about serving and protecting the victims of these assaults," said Missoula City Attorney Jim Nugent. "She's been outstanding not only in working with us, but in serving the community."
Wang oversees about 800 partner-family member assault cases a year, working in collaboration with the Missoula City/County Crime Victim Advocate Program, YWCA of Missoula and local law enforcement. She is currently a member of the state's Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team and St. Patrick Hospital's First STEP Crisis Response Team, which supports victims of sexual assault.
M. Shaun Donovan, 2004 Outstanding Prosecutor, was sworn in as Mineral County Attorney in 1979. Nominated by Mineral County Justice Court Judge Wanda James, among others, Donovan was commended for his commitment to prosecute all domestic violence charges, willingness to utilize innovative prosecution techniques and collaborate with law enforcement. His approach is "well-balanced, compassionate and professional," according to James.
In addition, Donovan is honored for his exemplary service to victims of crime. He helped start the Mineral County Help Line in 1991, a 24-hour crisis hotline for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Donovan drafted the articles of incorporation for the all-volunteer crisis counseling, shelter and victim advocacy services. He currently trains crisis line volunteers and has taken a public stance against domestic violence by speaking at many community events.
The Lifetime Achievement Award and 2004 Outstanding Prosecutor Award will be presented by Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath on Friday, July 9 at the Montana County Attorneys' Association meeting in Polson.
Topics:
