RICHMOND, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Senior Commonwealth’s Attorney Alycia Eldridge, was one of several Virginians recognized for victims’ rights advocacy work with the Unsung Heroes Award.

Eldridge has been a prosecutor in the Rockingham County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office for nearly two decades. She was recognized Attorney General Jason Miyares for her work as the founder of a unit solely focused on sexual assault and child abuse.

In a release from the Attorney General’s office, Eldridge was praised for successfully arguing the first case in Virginia using the “Tender Years” motion to avoid having a child testify in court.

She is also proposing legislation to expand reporting periods for certain misdemeanor sexual assault offenses, which would allow more time for victims to file a report.

Miyares hosted the 7th annual Unsung Heroes Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 24. The Office of the Attorney General established the award to acknowledge Virginians dedicated to supporting crime victims with trauma-informed responses and in their recovery and healing journey.