Christine Ward has been assisting victims of crime and advocating for victims’ rights for over two decades. She began her career in victim assistance/advocacy answering the crisis hotline at the Center for Women Studies and Services (now Center for Community Solutions) in San Diego, CA as well as providing accompaniment and support to sexual assault victims at evidentiary exams.
Ms. Ward has since worked for centers across the county, developing and managing programs that assist victims of violent crime. Ms. Ward is an accomplished trainer and speaker and presents on a variety of topics including victim support/assistance, victim advocacy, and professional and personal development.
Ms. Ward has created outreach tools to improve awareness, and encourage activism, around issues pertaining to victims of crime, crime prevention and victims’ rights. She is the co-creator of the internationally recognized Watch Your Drink – Watch Your Friends drug facilitated sexual assault educational program and has presented on this program across the US and Canada.
Ms. Ward has worked extensively with various law enforcement agencies to improve communication with and assistance to victims of crime.
Ms. Ward has received several awards and recognition for her work assisting victims of crime and in advancing victims’ rights. In 2006, Ms. Ward was honored with a special recognition award from the Trenton, New Jersey Police Department for her service and dedication to victims of domestic violence and for her commitment to the training of the Trenton Police Officers. In 2008 she was honored with the California Governor’s Crime Victim Advocacy Award for her dedication to serving victims of violent crime. In 2009 she was appointed by the Governor to the state Domestic Violence Program Advisory Council and was re-appointed to the Council in 2015.
Ms. Ward holds a BA in psychology and a Masters Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis on non-profit management. Ms. Ward is a survivor of violent crime and has been active with the Alliance since its inception in 1992.