MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County District Attorney’s office has hired a crime victim advocate for the first time since 2014. The position is being filled by Candice Ozolins, who was formerly with Catholic Charities in Watkins Glen and worked as an advocate for sexually exploited children.

According to a press release, her duties will include “providing information and support directly to the victims of crimes perpetrated in Sullivan County, including education about the criminal justice process and emotional support during that process and assistance in preparation of legal statements and other applications.”

The announcement was made by acting district attorney Meagan Galligan, who won a grant from New York State’s Office of Victim Services to pay for the position for three years.

“Our crime victim advocate is now entirely dedicated to providing the time and care necessary and appropriate to adequately address the needs of the victims of crime, particularly in this turbulent time of so-called criminal justice reform. The victims of crime should be the focus of our criminal justice system and the implementation of this victim advocacy program underscores my commitment to seeking justice on behalf of every victim of crime in Sullivan County,” Galligan said.

“Too often in the current discourse of bail and discovery reform, the voices of victims are lost. It is refreshing to hear that in Sullivan County we have renewed our commitment to the victims of crime and I thank acting DA Galligan for dedicating her time and effort to securing this new position,” Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff said.