The National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) has recognized Dr. Amber Deneen Gray, PhD-c, DBH, of Gray's Trauma-Informed Care Services Corp, and Dr. Tabitha Marie Chapman, PhD-c of The Freedom Train Project Incorporated, for their tireless efforts to advance crime victims' rights. Dr. Gray received Honorary Awardee recognition in two categories: the Margery Fry Award for outstanding victim service provider, and the Morton Bard Allied Professional Award for contributions in allied professions. Dr. Chapman was honored with the Tadini Bacigalupi Jr. Award, which acknowledges a distinguished victim services program.
These two local doctors have long been active in Riverside County, collaborating with various agencies such as the National Organization for Victim Advocacy, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Alternatives to Domestic Violence, and Laura's House. They advocate for victims of domestic violence, cultic abuse, and child abuse, providing much-needed resources. Dr. Gray and Dr. Chapman stress the need for more expansive help services, calling for increased state funding for local victim support organizations.
Dr. Chapman, who runs a non-profit organization, highlighted that many victim services organizations faced a 15 to 22% funding cut in May. This reduction was attributed to the Crime Victim's Fund losing nearly $70 million this year. Dr. Gray added that many organizations were awaiting a $200 million infusion from the state of California that never materialized. The federal government cited fewer court cases and more out-of-court settlements as reasons for the fund's depletion. The doctors emphasized that such substantial cuts to the Crime Victim's Fund, the Violence Against Women Act, and the Victims of Crimes Act force organizations into difficult decisions about cutting staff, reducing programs, or shutting down due to insufficient funds.
The doctors urged states to respond to calls for increased funding, not only for long-standing organizations but also for newer victim services groups. Dr. Chapman often uses her own funds to support her organization and stated, "There are many victims who need help. There are several organizations willing to provide that help and assistance if they had the funding to do so." Dr. Gray expressed gratitude for organizations like NOVA that recognize the hard work and dedication of victim services providers. She noted, "It gives us a moment to have a voice and to do what we can to help bring awareness that more funding is needed to help victim populations."
Dr. Chapman, known for her work with victims of cultic abuse and featured in documentaries such as Seduced: Inside the Nxivm Cult and Branded and Brainwashed Inside Nxivm, remarked, "I am constantly amazed at the dedication that victim advocates have for helping victims despite the various political battles that prevent the industry from being appropriately funded. These hardworking advocates are truly an inspiration." Dr. Gray added, "Our industry is one of the least understood, recognized, or appropriately funded, so when organizations like NOVA provide an opportunity for advocates to shine, they really demonstrate how many people are working hard in difficult landscapes."
In a letter to the doctors, Dr. Mamie Futrell, President of the Board of Directors of NOVA, thanked Dr. Gray and Dr. Chapman for their unwavering dedication to assisting and empowering victims and survivors of crime. She commended their compassion, leadership, and ingenuity that have helped countless victims and survivors begin to heal. Dr. Chapman and Dr. Gray expressed their gratitude to NOVA and congratulated the other honorary awardees and award winners.
Congratulations to Dr. Amber Deneen Gray and Dr. Tabitha Marie Chapman for their recognitions and their significant contributions to crime victim advocacy. Their efforts highlight the critical need for continued support and funding in the victim services sector.
Gray's Trauma-Informed Care Services Corp specializes in educating providers on working with victims of domestic violence, violent crimes, and child abuse.
The Freedom Train Project Incorporated is a non-profit organization providing victim assistance to victims of cults and coercive control.
Related Link: https://gettraumainformed.com
