Justice Department Honors Florida Woman With Volunteer Award For Helping Crime Victims’ Families

           WASHINGTON – The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, a division of the Office of Justice Programs, presented Angela Williams, founder of the Mothers Against Murderers Association (MAMA), the Volunteer for Victims Award. This National Crime Victims’ Service Awards category recognizes an individual or individuals for their extraordinary and selfless efforts resulting in positive and lasting changes in the lives of crime victims.

           “Angela Williams had the courage to use her personal tragedy as a catalyst for helping other families who have been victims of crime, and she continues to bring a message of renewal and hope to those who have endured the most painful of losses,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katherine T. Sullivan. “Her selfless and caring spirit has touched many lives throughout her community and given survivors the encouragement and resolve they need to confront their own formidable trials.”

          On January 1, 2003, Williams received the news that her nephew had been murdered, and rushed to the crime scene to provide comfort and emotional support to her family. Knowing that there were other community members, particularly mothers, grieving the deaths of their loved ones, Williams quit her job and created the Mothers Against Murderers Association (MAMA).

          Ms. Williams has assisted hundreds of mothers and families. In addition to being on call to assist at crime scenes, she coordinates and hosts healing circles, attends and financially supports funerals, works with incarcerated juveniles, accompanies families of victims to court, and works on proposed legislation to prevent crime. She also organizes and sponsors many community events throughout the year, including summer programs for siblings of murder victims

          “Out of her own experience and her extraordinary capacity for empathy and love, Ms. Williams has guided survivors through pain of the most profound kind, helping families to confront loss with strength and resilience,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “She has unselfishly dedicated her time and effort to caring for and helping others, making an incalculable difference in the lives of victims and their families.”

          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.