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Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte to Receive Award from U.S. Attorney General for Victims' Rights Work

National Crime Victim Service Award Honors 'Extraordinary Efforts'

4/10/2008

Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte will receive the National Crime Victim Service Award from U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey at a ceremony on Friday in the nation's capital. The national award honors "extraordinary efforts in direct service to crime victims."

Conte, a former victim of violent crime, is a leading victims' rights advocate in Tennessee and around the country. "I am honored to be selected to receive this award, and will accept it on behalf of all crime survivors, young and old, who have touched my life deeply in meaningful ways," Conte said.

The award is a prelude to National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 13-18, an annual observance sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime in the U.S. Department of Justice.

Governor Phil Bredesen will join the First Lady at Friday afternoon's awards ceremony in Washington. "I can't think of anybody who's got more energy or is more committed to ensuring the rights of victims of crime," Bredesen said. "I'd be gratified for any Tennessean to receive this recognition, but I'm especially proud it's Andrea."

Conte has made victim advocacy and justice issues a priority. In 1993, she founded You Have the Power . Know How to Use It, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about crime and justice issues. The group produces documentary videos and resource guidebooks on topics such as elder abuse, domestic violence and child sexual abuse. The videos are distributed nationwide to law enforcement agencies, schools, civic groups and therapists. In addition, You Have the Power conducts numerous public programs across Tennessee.

Conte helped establish "A Tennessee Season to Remember," an annual memorial event honoring Tennesseans who have lost their lives to violent crime. The ceremony allows families to seek healing and fellowship by coming together in remembrance of lost loved ones. Held each December, the Governor and First Lady greet family members as they hang ornaments on memorial wreaths displayed at the capitol throughout the holiday season.

As First Lady, Conte worked to create a statewide Commission on Crime Victims Assistance. Established in August 2003, the citizen commission is responsible for providing recommendations regarding benefits and other issues associated with the Criminal Injury Compensation Fund.

In 2004, Conte launched a walk across the state to raise awareness of child sexual abuse and the role of Tennessee's Child Advocacy Centers in helping children recover. Her journey took her more than 600 miles and raised more than one million dollars. This year, AndreaWalks IV will include six events in the month of April as Conte continues her support of child advocacy efforts.