Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett Nominates Cumberland County Woman as Victim Advocate

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today nominated Jennifer Storm to lead the Office of the Victim Advocate.

Storm, 38, of Camp Hill, has served for the past 10 years as executive director of the Dauphin County Victim/Witness/Assistance Program.

She also currently serves on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Victim Services Advisory Committee, Dauphin County Domestic Violence Task Force, Dauphin County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, Elder Abuse Task Force of Dauphin County and Crime Vicitms Alliance of Pennsylvania.  

"Victimized by crime in her youth, Jennifer Storm refused to settle for the label 'survivor,' and instead took on the mantel of 'champion' on behalf of thousands of others who have been the targets of criminals,'' Corbett said. "In appointing Ms. Storm as victim advocate, we are naming a true defender of human rights and personal dignity."

The author of several books and magazine articles, Storm has received numerous honors for her advocacy efforts.

Delilah Rumburg, chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, commended Storm's appointment to this "critical position.''

Rumburg continued, "Ms. Storm's track record as a victim advocate and her ability to collaborate with allied stakeholders to ensure justice for all victims is exemplary. As Governor, Tom Corbett has consistently demonstrated his commitment to victims' rights through public policy, funding victim services, and now by maintaining the consistency of advocacy experience in choosing a victim advocate with both experience and passion.''

The Office of the Victim Advocate was created in 1995 to represent the rights and interests of crime victims before the Board of Probation and Parole and the Department of Corrections.

In addition, the Office of the Victim Advocate also provides notification to crime victims of the potential for inmate release, opportunity to provide testimony, and notification of the inmate's movement within the correctional system.

"Jen Storm is a fearless advocate for victims of crime. She has shown throughout her career that she understands the combination of empathy and toughness needed to speak for those who are often unable to speak for themselves,'' said Dave Freed, president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and district attorney of Cumberland County. "Jen's strong record and compelling personal journey make her a solid choice to be our state victim advocate. I commend Governor Corbett for making such a strong selection.''

"Jen Storm has dedicated her career to helping victims in Dauphin County,'' said Ed Marsico, immediate past president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and district attorney of Dauphin County. "She has worked with police to put advocates in police stations and at crime scenes. Governor Corbett's appointment will benefit all of the citizens of Pennsylvania, just as we in Dauphin County have gained from her passion."

The office is responsible for referring crime victims to local programs and basic crisis intervention and support, and providing general information on the status and location of the inmate as allowed by law. It also provides notification of the expiration of an inmate's maximum sentence or date of execution, if applicable, as well as conducts preparation for a victim who chooses to witness an execution.

"The appointment of Jennifer Storm to fill this post continues the legacy of advocates before her to ensure that the voices of victims of crime are considered in every aspect of our commonwealth's public policy and legislative debate,'' said Peg Dierkers, executive director of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "Ms. Storm has been a tireless advocate for victims of crime, and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence looks forward to further collaboration with her and her staff.''

Victim assistance coordinators on staff at the Office of Victim Advocate work with local advocates at community-based victim services programs and also with advocates in county district attorneys offices to ensure that all victims of crime who have requested post-sentencing services receive the compassionate and individual attention and advocacy that they require.

Storm will serve as acting victim advocate, beginning Dec. 2, until she is confirmed by the state Senate. The six-year term pays $113,272 annually.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov.

Media contact: Jay Pagni, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor