Theriot Named 2017 Exceptional Victim Advocate by NOVA

San Diego, August 17, 2017:  Catalene Theriot, Comprehensive Victim Intervention Specialist and Victim Services Coordinator for the 16 ^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, was selected by colleagues and peers as the recipient of the 2017 Exceptional Victim Advocate Award in the category of System-Based Advocacy. This distinguished award is presented by the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) in recognition of outstanding leadership and tireless efforts to advancing crime victims’ rights. Executive Director of NOVA, Chief Justice Richard Barajas (ret.) was on hand to present Theriot with the award, complimenting her unwavering dedication to assisting and empowering victims and survivors of crime and her extraordinary compassion, leadership, and ingenuity in her work. In addition to being honored, Theriot also presented an informational talk entitled “After the Verdict”.

Theriot began her work with the 16 ^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in 2003 as the Victim’s Services Coordinator for Iberia Parish. In 2005, Theriot, herself a victim following the murder of her son Dean in 1994, became the second person in the state of Louisiana to go through the Victim-Offender Dialogue Program. In 2007 she graduated as one of the first students in the Louisiana State Victim Assistance Academy at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She received an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2009. She is also a Credentialed Advocate at the advanced level and routinely speaks to prisoners on the impact of crime on victims.

Theriot is the co-founder and president of VOICE (Voices of Innocent Citizens Empowered), a support group for victims of crime and their families. She also serves as the coordinator for the 16 ^th Judicial District Victim Impact Panel.

When asked what victim advocacy means to her, Theriot responded, “Victim advocacy is very important to me; it is my passion. I believe it does not matter what the crime was, each victim is important and should be treated with respect and dignity at all times. Always be there to support your victims and keep them well informed.”