SHATTERED LIVES with Donna R. Gore “LadyJustice”: CT Victims Advocate, Michelle Cruz

SHATTERED LIVES with Donna R. Gore, “LadyJustice”

Examining the effects of those who have survived violent crime and how it has impacted their lives.

Real people, real tragedy, real help.

Saturdays at 5pm ET Listen LIVE: CLICK HERE

In Connecticut the Office of Victim Services provides many resources, often unknown, to victims of crime such as victim compensation, victim service advocates and victim notification services, just to name a few.

On November 5, 2007, Governor M. Jodi Rell announced the appointment of Michelle Cruz as the State Victim Advocate.

In the early 1990s, Ms. Cruz began working with domestic violence victims at various stages of their journey while attending Community College. Inspired by Attorney Sarah Buel and her ground breaking work and commitment to victims’ of crime in Quincy, MA, Ms. Cruz chose to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. In 1995, Ms. Cruz began working for the Hampshire County District Attorney’s Office as a victim witness advocate. In 2001, Ms. Cruz graduated from the University of Connecticut, School of Law and for the last six years has worked as an Assistant District Attorney in both Hampshire and Hampden County.

Ms. Cruz stated, “My experiences have taught me that true wisdom is knowledge combined with compassion. Without compassion, knowledge is little more than well-educated ignorance.”

Cruz has had personal experience as a victim of threats and stalking stemming from an ex-boyfriend. The ability to put herself in the shoes of a victim greatly enhances the advice and assistance she’s able to give. She has been leading the charge for more services to victims, tighter laws, particularly regarding domestic violence/intimate partner homicide. Cruz assists victims through the intimidation and fear of the complexities of the system, those who are unable to navigate their way at the most vulnerable and devastating time in their lives.