Orchard Park Bee: Former Supervisor to receive national award

Mary Travers Murphy, executive director of the Erie County Family Justice Center, will receive a national award from the U.S. Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus at a ceremony on Capitol Hill during National Crime Victim's Rights Week, which runs from April 19-25.

Rep. Brian Higgins, who represents the 26th district, nominated Travers Murphy for the Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy.

She will travel to Washington, D.C. to accept one of five awards presented nationwide

"We are proud to recognize the work of Mary Travers Murphy and the Family Justice Center of Erie County," Higgins said. "Victims and survivors of abuse endure the unthinkable but efforts made by Mary and the Family Justice Center are giving people protection, hope and a way forward. This award recognizes Mary's sincere commitment to public awareness, expanded outreach, easy access to services and work to find innovative solutions for those affected by domestic violence."

The Family Justice Center of Erie County opened in 2006, providing a one-stop center for women and children to access free services.

The Western New York location was chosen as one of 15 sites in the U.S. awarded funding through the U.S. Department of Justice.

In 2010, Travers Murphy was named executive director of the Family Justice Center.

Under her leadership, the center expanded its reach beyond the urban center to provide satellite offices in the northern and southern suburbs. The center's success is bolstered by collaboration with over a dozen partner agencies providing one easy access point for individuals to receive comprehensive assistance.

Travers Murphy is also working with law enforcement and the Erie County Family Court to provide on-site video conferencing services at the center satellite sites to allow victims to receive an order of protection the same day he or she asks for help.

As the former supervisor of the Town of Orchard Park, in 2009 Travers Murphy received a call from local law enforcement informing her that resident Aasiya Hassan was beheaded by her husband, Muzzamil Hassan.

In a trial following her death it was revealed that Aasiya reported her husband's abuse on several occasions and received an order of protection but did not have the resources to leave her home or the access to legal counsel to enforce the restraining order.

Law enforcement officials in Erie County alone receive 14,000 domestic violence calls annually; but only 1 to 7 victims press charges and seek an order of protection.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence more than 10 million women and men are physically abused by a partner annually.

Higgins is a member of the bipartisan US Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, and Rep. Jim Costa, D-California.

The caucus has been involved in protecting and advocating for policies and programs that support victim services including the Victims of Crime Act, Violence Against Women Act , Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act and the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting Act.

Since 2006 the caucus has recognized five individuals annually who have made a difference in the lives of crime victims, survivors and those who serve them.

The Family Justice Center of Erie County is located on Main Street in Buffalo with satellite offices in Orchard Park and Amherst. To reach the Center, call 558-SAFE.