Richmond, Va. – Attorney General Jason Miyares hosted the 6th annual Unsung Heroes Award Ceremony this week, recognizing Virginians who provide exemplary service and support to victims of crime in Virginia. The Office of the Attorney General established these awards to acknowledge Virginians who dedicate their work to support crime victims with trauma-informed responses in their recovery and healing journey.

“Unsung heroes work tirelessly for others, never seeking the limelight, and, instead, serving as a light to crime victims who are often facing the darkest, most unmooring time in their life,” said Attorney General Miyares. “Our unsung heroes wake up every morning, not knowing what horrors or pain the day could bring and go to work because they know that there are victims who need their help. Their resilience and determination to make a difference in a victim’s world inspires me every day.” 

One of the recipients was Kristan Crummett, Victim Witness Coordinator (Waynesboro Victim Witness and Magnolia Rose). 

While working at Waynesboro Victim Witness, Kristan identified a gap in services for victims of human trafficking; there was nowhere in the area to go to receive help. Kristan recognized that without proper support and services, it is extremely difficult to escape a human trafficking situation and inspired her to co-found a nonprofit organization called Magnolia Rose. Magnolia Rose assists human trafficking victims referred by law enforcement with medical help, forensic interviews, and trauma-informed programs. Due to the high rate of drug addiction among human trafficking victims, Kristan collaborated with the local hospital to facilitate drug rehabilitation and detox opportunities. Magnolia Rose further assists victims of human trafficking by helping them start a new chapter through career preparation, resume writing, and networking classes. Kristan’s dedication to human trafficking victims has provided hope to so many and has allowed them to take back their life.