House Of Ruth Maryland receives the National Crime Victim Service Award presented by
US Attorney General Eric Holder

On Friday, April 8, 2011, the House Of Ruth Maryland received the prestigious National Crime Victim Service Award. This award is given in recognition of the direct services that the House Of Ruth Maryland provides to the victims of Domestic Violence.

Here are excerpts from the Department of Justice press release. To view the full text of the press release, click here:

"Each of the leaders, legal advocates, public servants and concerned citizens here today are part of a powerful, national movement—one that inspired the passage of the historic 1984 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) that created the Crime Victims Fund, as well as the 1994 crime bill and the Violence Against Women Act,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “We commend these individuals and service providers who, when faced with emerging challenges, seek out new ways to protect our communities, and to more effectively assist and empower crime victims.”

"Today’s Justice Department is working with medical and law enforcement professionals, service providers and crime victim advocates to reach those victims most in need of help,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “We’re also evolving to meet new challenges and emerging threats. As criminals adapt to an inter-connected world, – in partnership with law enforcement – we are working hard to serve victims of youth violence, cybercrime, identify theft, human trafficking and fraud.”

National Crime Victim Service Award: Honors extraordinary efforts in direct service to crime victims:

Recipient: House of Ruth Maryland (HRM), for assisting victims of domestic violence and serving as the state’s first shelter for battered women and their children. HRM is one of the most comprehensive domestic violence centers in the country. Its services include emergency shelter services, transitional house, a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling for victims and their children, legal advocacy, a legal clinic and a variety of outreach and education programs to change beliefs and attitudes towards domestic violence in the community.