CNU is recognized for assisting victims of crime
News Release - May 10, 2006
Media contact:
Karen L. Gill
Office of Communications and Public Relations
(757) 594-8428
(NEWPORT NEWS, Va.) — Christopher Newport University and the CNU Police Department were honored in April for their work with crime victims by the Hampton and Newport News Victim/Witness Assistance Programs and The Office of Human Affairs.
CNU received a certificate of appreciation at the Victims' Rights Forum in April at Thomas Nelson Community College. The awards ceremony was held in conjunction with National Crime Victims Rights Week.
"They were honored and recognized for everything they've been doing for victims," said Christina Montoya, information coordinator for the Newport News Victim/Witness Assistance Program. "As service providers, they dedicate their time to helping victims."
Accepting the certificate for CNU were Jeffrey Brown, chief of CNU Police Department; Kelly Franzone, assistant director of the Center for Counseling, Coaching and Consulting at CNU; and Sgt. Scott Austin, investigator/crime prevention office for CNU Police Department.
CNU's recent work with crime victims included staging its first Take Back the Night event to raise awareness of sexual assault. Nearly 200 people attended the event, which included a non-denominational service, a moment of silence, speeches by sexual assault survivors and a student-led candlelight march, on April 18 on campus. Take Back the Night was co-sponsored by these CNU organizations: Police Department, Greek Life, Judicial Affairs/Community Development, United Campus Ministries and the Center for Counseling, Coaching and Consulting. Additional community co-sponsors were Transitions and the Center for Sexual Assault Survivors.
Christopher Newport University is a four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia. CNU enrolls 4,800 students in programs through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Luter School of Business and offers great teaching, small classes and an emphasis on leadership, civic engagement and honor. Visit us at www.cnu.edu.