WASHINGTON CO. DISTRICT ATTORNEY EMPLOYEE DESIGNATED PROFESSIONAL VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR

  

An employee at the Washington County District Attorney’s Office has received a special designation from the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association (TDCAA).

Amanda Horak has been designated as Professional Victims Assistance Coordinator.  Last month, the TDCAA certified Horak’s designation, making the local office one of 70 in the state to have such a distinction.

The program was created in 2000 to recognize professionalism in prosecutor-based victim assistance and continuing training in both the field and classroom.

In Texas, prosecutor’s offices are required by law to have a Victims Assistance Coordinator on staff to ensure enforcement of victims’ rights throughout the criminal justice process.

To be designated as a Professional Victims Assistance Coordinator, an applicant must complete an application process with training on par with the National Victim Assistance Academy program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice.  Additionally, applicants must submit letters of recommendation from their elected prosecutor, as well as representatives of local service agencies, organizations and law enforcement.

Horak has been with the district attorney’s office for seven years, including service for both Washington and Burleson counties.  She was recognized last year by Washington County Commissioners for her efforts in providing CPR to a citizen who collapsed in the courthouse basement.

District Attorney Julie Renken described Horak as “a stand out in this field,” with “the perfect amount of compassion and candor.”  She said in her 24 years as a prosecutor, she has “never worked with a better VAC.”

Horak said this honor means a lot to her, adding that she takes her position very seriously because she knows “how important it is to victims and their healing journey.”