Kenton Co.’s Watson Named Victim’s Advocate of the Year

“Stephanie is the heart of our office in so many ways,” said Sanders. “Her official role is that of a liaison between our prosecutors and the victims of the crimes we prosecute, but she really does so much more. Victims of crime never leave our office thinking no one cares because Stephanie always does.”

 

Sanders said Watson does everything from preparing victims to testify and sitting with witnesses’ children while the parent testifies to acting as a mentor and a counselor to crime victims. Sanders said the prosecutors in his office carry such a heavy caseload that it would be impossible for them to keep crime victims up to date in every case while still getting their work done. “That’s where Stephanie comes in,” Sanders said. “She makes sure victims stay informed and if they are informed, they’re usually happy. Keeping victims in the loop lets them know we care and their opinions matter.”

Watson is also credited with finding safe housing for crime victims, feeding child witnesses when their parents had no money for food, and collecting clothing for a boy whose parents spent all their money on heroin. “Stephanie is really at her best with children,” said Sanders. “She cares for each child victim or witness like they were her own.”

 

Hope In Heels is a private, non-profit corporation founded in 2005, by the five adult women of the Besse family, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hope In Heels saw a need to acknowledge the work of those who work in our community as advocates for victims of violent crime. To learn more about the Hope In Heels Foundation, click here.
 

Stephanie Watson has been the Victim’s Advocate in the Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office since April 2007. She is a graduate of Thomas More College. Stephanie lives in Florence with her fiance, John Dorman, their daughters, and a host of pets.

 

SOURCE: Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office

PHOTO: Stephanie Watson/Provided