Justice Department Honors Ohio Man With National Crime Victim Service Award

          WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today presented Mark Weiner, Director of Victim Services for the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office in Newark, Ohio, the National Crime Victim Service Award during the annual National Crime Victim Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. This award honors extraordinary individuals and programs that provide services to victims of crime.

          “In his nearly 30-year career serving victims of crime in Ohio, Mr. Weiner has been at the side of law enforcement officers as they respond to scenes of violence and tragedy, giving victims the support they need from the very first moment,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “We honor him for being a steady and compassionate presence for crime victims, as well as a source of constant support for Ohio’s first responders.”

          Weiner began his career in victim services in 1990 as a volunteer, then joined the Licking County, Ohio, Prosecutor’s Office full-time after graduating from college. He is now Director of Victim Services, where he works with prosecutors and law enforcement officials to provide support at crime scenes, including death notification. He also provides education for the law enforcement community. Weiner serves as a co¬coordinator of the Ohio Crisis Response Team and has responded to national incidents as a member of the National Organization of Victim Assistance National Crisis Response Team. In 2017, he provided crisis services in the aftermath of a community tragedy in Kirkersville, Ohio, that claimed the lives of three innocent people, including a sheriff’s deputy. He has worked diligently to ensure those impacted by crime receive immediate, compassionate service and psychological first-aid to mitigate the trauma they have suffered.

          “Every crime victim deserves assistance tailored to what he or she needs – whether it’s restitution, counseling, emergency transitional housing, legal aid or a day in court. This principle is the hallmark of Mr. Weiner’s career,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth. “When supporting citizens or law enforcement officers personally struck by crime, he uses his skill and talent to help anyone who needs it.”

          The Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, a component of OJP, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and hosts an annual award ceremony. 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 takes place April 7-13, with the theme “Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.”