Sept 6 - Crime Victims and Victims Advocates Support Ritter

As Denver’s DA, Ritter raised the bar for victim advocacy and established programs that still serve as statewide and national models.

Crime victims and victim advocates declared their support for gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter today, praising his work as a visionary whose initiatives set a standard for decades to come.

"Bill Ritter was tough and he never forgot who the victim was. He was at my side every time I needed information. He was a prosecutor’s dream and I feel privileged he was on my case," said Jeanne Elliott, who was shot and paralyzed 20 years ago. Ritter prosecuted her assailant.

Ritter, who served as Denver’s District Attorney from 1993 to 2005, was hailed for helping to establish numerous programs and protocols to help victims. Many of those programs continue to serve as models for similar efforts across the state and around the country. Programs that Ritter helped create include a Victim Services Network, the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center, a Sexual Assault InterAgency Task Force, and a Domestic Violence Early Intervention Program.

Robin Finegan, a victim’s advocate for the past 17 years, said Ritter left a lasting legacy. “Bill Ritter’s leadership still propels us toward a new way of doing things. He encourages and teaches us to see what we can do, instead of looking at how hard it is to do,” Finegan said. “Because of Bill’s leadership, it is kindness, compassion and service that will have the last word here."

Joanne Alford said Ritter and his office prosecuted the man who swindled her 102-year-old aunt out of her life’s savings, worth an estimated $3 million. “There was never any talk of a plea bargain – ever,” Alford said. “We got justice and a crook was convicted."

"Bill has set the vision for victim rights for decades to come," said Dora-Lee Larson, director of the Denver Domestic Violence Council. "We need his vision, we need his type of participatory inclusion. We need Bill Ritter in the governor’s office to continue his work on behalf of victims."

"Bill Ritter will make sure victims are a priority in the governor’s office, just as he has done throughout his career of public service,” said Norm Early, who preceded Ritter as Denver’s District Attorney and served as emcee at today’s news conference.

Ritter said he was humbled to receive the public blessing of victims and advocates. He said he made it a priority to reduce the trauma that victims experience both at the hands of criminals and often again at the hands of the criminal-justice system.

"It is a special privilege to work on behalf of victims and hopefully help them navigate through tragedy and find their way to triumph,” Ritter said.

Other speakers at today’s announcement included:

• Yolanda Swatco, whose 8-year-old son was killed by a drunken driver.
• Gizane Indart, executive director, Denver Children’s Advocacy Center.
• Joe Canota, whose daughter was the victim of a domestic-violence killing.
• Matt Hogan, child advocate.

Ritter’s record of leadership advocating for victims:

• 1992 – 2004 − Project P.A.V.E. (Promoting Alternatives to Violence Through Education), Service Award
• 1992 - 2004 − Project P.A.V.E., Leadership Award for 12 years of board leadership
• 1998 − Denver Victim Service Center, Norm Early Victims Rights Award
• 1999 − Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, Outstanding Victims Services Program
• 2000 − Denver SafeHouse Award
• 2003 − Colorado Department of Human Services, Appreciation Award for Adult Protective Services training
• 2004 − FBI Appreciation Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service to Young People
• 2004 − Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, Exemplary Leadership Award
• 2005 − Colorado Children’s Campaign, Champion for Kids
• 2004 − Denver Children's Advocacy Center Award
• 2004 - Domestic Violence Task Force Award

For additional information about Ritter’s record as District Attorney, click here.