The Suzanne McDaniel Memorial Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have used their voice, throughout the media, to promote and bring about change at the national level for crime victims.

“California was the first state to have a victim compensation program and has served as a national role model for the last fifty years,” said Government Operations Secretary Marybel Batjer. “With Julie’s direction, CalVCB has elevated its voice to ensure no victim is left behind. I commend her on her unwavering dedication to this great cause.”

Under Nauman’s leadership, CalVCB implemented multi-lingual outreach programs and several social media campaigns to educate Californians about victim compensation resources.

In the aftermath of the mass shooting in Las Vegas in October 2017, CalVCB spearheaded a campaign that reached across state lines to ensure the estimated 14,000 Californians of this tragedy received information, assistance and guidance on victim compensation.

Representative Jim Costa (D-Fresno), the co-chair and co-founder of the bipartisan Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus, nominated Nauman to receive one of the six congressional awards.

The caucus was established 12 years ago and is the voice in Congress for victims of crime.

Nauman received the award in Washington D.C. at the Caucus’ Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 12 on Capitol Hill during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

To view additional videos and pictures of the event visit the Victims’ Rights Caucus Facebook page.

Suzanne McDaniel was a pioneer of victim rights, establishing victims’ assistance programs in Harris County, Texas in the 1970s.

The award was named in her honor in 2008 to forever recognize her work, dedication and compassion to crime victims. McDaniel passed away after battling cancer in 2012.

To learn more about CalVCB, visit www.victims.ca.gov.