Local Doctors Honored for Advancing Victim Advocacy

The National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) has recently honored two local doctors, Dr. Amber Deneen Gray, PhD-c, DBH, and Dr. Tabitha Marie Chapman, PhD-c, for their relentless efforts in advancing the rights of crime victims. Dr. Gray, associated with Gray's Trauma-Informed Care Services Corp, received honorary recognition in two categories: the Margery Fry Award for outstanding victim service provider and the Morton Bard Allied Professional Award. Dr. Chapman, from The Freedom Train Project Incorporated, was honored with the Tadini Bacigalupi Jr. Award, which acknowledges distinguished victim services programs.

Both doctors have dedicated years to working with various agencies in Riverside County, including NOVA, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Alternatives to Domestic Violence, and Laura's House. They have been strong advocates for victims of domestic violence, cultic abuse, and child abuse, emphasizing the need for more expansive help services and increased funding from the state to support local victim services organizations.

Dr. Chapman, who leads a non-profit organization, highlighted the financial challenges faced by victim services organizations, noting a significant reduction in funding by 15 to 22% due to a $70 million shortfall in the Crime Victim's Fund this year. Dr. Gray echoed these concerns, pointing out that many organizations were expecting a $200 million infusion from the state of California that never materialized. The federal government attributed the funding shortfall to fewer cases being brought to courts and more being settled out of court. The doctors underscored that these financial cuts force organizations to make difficult decisions, such as reducing staff, cutting programs, or even shutting down operations due to insufficient funds.

Both doctors called for states to respond to the urgent need for more funding, not only for well-established organizations but also for newer victim services groups. Dr. Chapman, who often contributes her own funds, stated, "There are many victims who need help. There are several organizations willing to provide that help and assistance, if they had the funding to do so." Dr. Gray added, "This is why we are thankful for organizations like NOVA, who recognize the hard work and dedication of all organizations that help victims of violence." The recognition from NOVA, through their awards, provides a platform to bring awareness to the need for increased funding to support victim populations.

Dr. Chapman has been particularly active in working with victims of cultic abuse and has been featured in documentaries such as Seduced: Inside the Nxivm Cult and Branded and Brainwashed Inside Nxivm. She expressed admiration for the dedication of victim advocates who continue their work despite political challenges. Dr. Gray highlighted the lack of understanding, recognition, and appropriate funding in their field, and appreciated NOVA's efforts in showcasing the contributions of victim advocates.

In a letter to the doctors, Dr. Mamie Futrell, President of the Board of Directors of NOVA, commended Dr. Gray and Dr. Chapman for their unwavering dedication to assisting and empowering victims and survivors of crime, noting their compassion, leadership, and ingenuity. Both doctors expressed gratitude to NOVA and congratulated other honorary awardees and award winners.

Gray's Trauma-Informed Care Services Corp specializes in educating providers on working with victims of domestic violence, violent crimes, and child abuse. The Freedom Train Project Incorporated is a non-profit organization that offers victim assistance to those affected by cults and coercive control. For more information, you can visit https://gettraumainformed.com.