Justice Department Honors D.C. Anti-Human Trafficking Organization With National Crime Victim Service Award

           WASHINGTON – The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, a division of the Office of Justice Programs, presented FAIR Girls, an anti-human trafficking organization based in Washington, D.C., with the National Crime Victim Service Award. This National Crime Victims’ Service Awards category recognizes extraordinary individuals and programs that provide services to victims of crime.

          “For over 15 years, FAIR Girls has served the most vulnerable victims of the vilest crimes,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katherine T. Sullivan. “We honor this outstanding organization for fighting so hard on behalf of trafficking survivors and for the profound and lasting difference it has made in so many young lives.”

          FAIR Girls has provided more than 1,000 girls and young women with client-centered, trauma-informed direct services and life skills they need to transition from victim to survivor. They offer a variety of essential programs, including the Vida Home, the only safe housing option in the Washington, D.C., metro area specifically designed for survivors aged 18 to 26. FAIR Girls also provides victims support to address immediate safety and basic needs, such as clothing, food, referrals to medical and mental health services, access to legal advocacy and translation/interpretation services, if needed, and intensive individualized case management. Beyond these basic needs, FAIR Girls’ services also extend to long-term group therapy for clients and ongoing court advocacy.

          As part of FAIR Girls’ Prevention Education and Outreach program, their experienced and trained staff works in the community to present a trauma- and survivor-informed curriculum on commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking, including risk factors, warning signs, and misconceptions. In a recent 12-month period, FAIR Girls trained 479 students and 883 adults, including law enforcement, mental health professionals, service providers, and community members.

         “FAIR Girls provides high-quality services that meet the individualized needs of young victims, protecting their safety and well-being while putting them on the road to self-sufficiency,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “Thanks to their tireless work, many girls have been able to escape danger and start a new life defined by independence and empowerment.”

          The Office for Victims of Crime leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. President Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, calling for greater sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims. This year’s observance took place April 19-25 and featured the theme, “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.” The award recipients were honored privately and virtually with friends, family and Office of Justice Programs leadership.