The U.S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana has awarded the 2026 Victim’s Assistance Award to Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Centers. The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) was selected entirely by the staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The recognition is for advocates working to provide emotional support, guidance, and more to those affected by trauma.
“It really came out of the blue. We got a notification via email that we were receiving it for National Crime Victims Rights Week,” says Emily Perry, Susie’s Place Executive Director. “It was for the whole organization on our work on behalf of victims at all three locations.”
At a ceremony for the presentation on April 22, 2026, much of the staff from all three Susie’s Place locations were present. “It was meaningful because at that ceremony they mentioned each of our programming, from prevention to intervention and healing and the advocacy and it was just meaningful that every key ingredient that makes Susie’s Place special is what they picked up on and recognized.
For the staff at the event, everyone heard an accolade and individual recognition for their work. “It was nice, well done, and thoughtful. The staff just sometime forget that people outside these walls are paying attention to the work they’re doing,” says Perry.
The award is recognized entirely from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana staff. There are no nominations or applications. “They choose who they want to award,” says Perry. US Attorney, Thomas Wheeler II, cited Susie’s Place’s “profound impact” in strengthening prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against children, and the team’s kindness and understanding in ensuring victim’s voices are heard in safe, trauma-informed spaces.
Susie’s Place staff work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on cases that require federal prosecution or other multi-agency cases.
The Southern District covers 60 Indiana counties with divisions in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Evansville and New Albany. The award is now in its second year. In 2025, these professionals were recognized:
- Suzanne O’Malley, Project Manager, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Linda Crocheron, Victim Advocate Administrator, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office
- Jessica Zotz, Victim Specialist, FBI