Thurin receives 2013 P.E.A.C.E. Award

The Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (WCADVSA) is pleased to announce the recipients — Carla Thurin, Patricia Luck, and Susie Markus — of the WCADVSA’s 4th Annual P.E.A.C.E. Awards at a reception on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Little America Hotel in Cheyenne.

As peace is the antithesis of violence, the award stands for “Promoting Excellence in Advocacy for Change and Empowerment.” The award acknowledges the valuable role individuals and organizations play in the effort to end violence against women and empower victims across Wyoming. The P.E.A.C.E. Award also serves as a challenge for all to work collectively to improve life for those affected by violence in our communities and worldwide.

Carla Thurin, executive director of Laramie County Safehouse Services, Inc., was recognized with the Outstanding Advocate award. As a true victim advocate, she takes the time to work one-on-one with victims, right along the side of her staff. She has developed programs to promote change and empowerment to Laramie County survivors. She dedicates herself to finding innovative solutions and alternatives to interpersonal violence in our State.

Patricia Luck, of Big Horn, received the Leadership In Advocacy award for her work as an advocate, program director, AmeriCorps program manager, and mentor for hundreds of staff and volunteer advocates across Wyoming. Her leadership has been an inspiration for everyone she touched. Pat’s character of not apologizing for the truth about men’s violence against women, for compassion first, for processing and listening, has helped many individuals grow in their advocacy for women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

Susie Markus, of Laramie, is the deputy director of the Wyoming Health Council. She received the Leadership In Advocacy award for her work in primary prevention of sexual violence in Wyoming. She has brought a greater understanding and awareness of the effects of violence against women to audiences outside of the field of violence against women. Her work in community readiness has been a model for communities in Wyoming but has been so successful, it has also been shared as a promising practice for primary sexual violence prevention at the national level.