LaVina Clark nominated for Domestic Violence Advocate for 2014

NEWS RELEASE

LaVina Clark nominated for Domestic Violence Advocate for 2014

Osage Nation, Pawhuska, OK – October 8, 2014 – LaVina Spotted Bear Clark, who has worked the past five years in the domestic violence field with the Osage Nation Counseling Center, was recently honored for her years of diligent work with a nomination for an Award for Excellence in Action Against Domestic Violence.

Ms. Clark began her career with the Osage Nation in August of 2005 as an Administrative Assistant to RoseMary Shaw which evolved into Domestic Violence Administrator reporting to Virginia Elsey.

Dawn Rowe, the current Kaw Nation Domestic Violence Program Coordinator, submitted Ms. Clark’s name and service whom she came to know in 2011. Rowe was working for the Tonkawa Tribe at that time and was new to this field of work. She often reached out to LaVina Clark whose assistance helped with different situations pertaining to her job.

Dawn Rowe submitted LaVina Clark because she has “dedicated a significant portion of her adult life to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence.” The victims, Ms. Clark has provided service to, are in her “community, county and state.”

The Award for Excellence in Action Against Domestic Violence “recognizes front-line individuals dedicated to responding to domestic violence incidents and/or providing services to victims of domestic violence.”

While Ms. Clark was not selected for the award, the nomination honored her and her work because a nominee shows “outstanding efforts that go above and beyond what is expected to serve victims and hold domestic violence offenders accountable.” These awards honor law enforcement, prosecutors, victim service advocates, and volunteers.

On Thursday, October 2nd, the awards were handed out at the State Capital during the 7th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Press Conference.