Crime & Safety

Slain Detective Honored for Serving Abuse Victims

Donna Williams was known for her work with abuse victims, but was killed at her home in July.

Longtime San Diego police detective Donna Williams, who was , has been honored posthumously by a national child abuse organization for her work serving abuse victims and their families.

The announcement:                                                         

The National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC) presented the Outstanding Service Award in Law Enforcement to Donna Williams, who served as a Detective with the San Diego Police Department from 1989 until her unfortunate death in 2011. Detective Cindy Brady accepted the award on behalf of Williams. The honor came at the 28th National Symposium on Child Abuse in Huntsville, Alabama. Detective Williams’ daughter, De Kenya Williams, was in attendance at the award ceremony.

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Approximately 1,100 child abuse professionals from 47 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Jamaica, Sweden, Turkey and Japan participated in educational sessions on law enforcement, legal, medical, mental health, victim advocacy, forensic interviewing, prevention, child protective services, and administrative best practices. 

Williams received the prestigious award at the Symposium's annual awards luncheon. The criteria for the Outstanding Service Awards is based on the pioneering work that began with the formation of the National Children’s Advocacy Center in 1985 and revolutionized the way America responds to child sexual abuse. The honors are intended to recognize professionals who have made a significant positive contribution to services that address child abuse and exploitation in their communities.  

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In recognizing Williams, NCAC Executive Director Chris Newlin noted that she had many opportunities to promote and work her way up the organizational ladder within the police department, however, she always politely declined such invitations. She loved the work that she did, the children and families that she served, and the team members with which she worked.

Newlin said, “Donna left a legacy and reputation that no one has or will come close to emulating. Donna was a great role model for how teams should work together.”

In addition to Williams’ award in Law Enforcement, the NCAC also selected Outstanding Service Award winners from multiple nominations in the categories of Child Protective Services, Medical Care, Victim Advocacy, Mental Health, Multidisciplinary Team Response, Prevention and Prosecution.


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